Skin Care During Cancer Treatment: Gentle, Supportive Basics
Cancer treatments can affect the skin in very different ways. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and stem-cell transplant can each cause their own patterns of dryness, sensitivity, rash, peeling or other changes.
Your oncology team should be the first source for treatment-related skincare advice. A product that is reasonable for ordinary dry skin may not be appropriate on a radiation field, surgical site, open area or treatment-related rash.
Keep cleansing gentle
If your care team has not given different instructions, choose mild cleansing and avoid aggressive scrubbing. Pat rather than rub tender skin. Let your team know about new pain, blistering, drainage, open sores or rapidly worsening irritation.
Moisturize—but use products your team approves
Moisturizers can help relieve ordinary dryness and itch, but the National Cancer Institute specifically recommends asking your nurse or treatment team which creams or lotions are appropriate. During radiation therapy, ask what can be used on the treatment area and when it should be applied relative to a session.
Protect sensitive skin
Loose, soft clothing can reduce friction on tender areas. Protect skin from the sun with clothing, shade and sunscreen as directed by your medical team. Do not place heating pads, ice packs or adhesive bandages on a radiation treatment area unless your care team tells you to.
Avoid DIY treatment claims
Essential oils, aloe drinks, supplements and “detox” remedies are not substitutes for medical management of treatment-related skin changes. Natural ingredients can still irritate sensitive or damaged skin, and supplements or herbs can interact with cancer medicines.
When to contact your oncology team promptly
Report skin that becomes painful, wet, infected-looking, blistered or rapidly more inflamed. Also report a new widespread rash, fever with a rash, swelling, or any reaction your team instructed you to watch for.
What supportive skincare can realistically do
Gentle skincare may improve comfort, reduce dryness and help you avoid unnecessary irritation. It cannot treat cancer, replace prescribed skin medications or prevent every treatment-related reaction.
Source
National Cancer Institute: skin and nail changes during cancer treatment
