The Dermatological Challenge of Oncology Treatment

While chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone-management eradicates rapidly dividing cancer cells, it also destroys healthy cells which causes physical changes to the body including the skin. Changes in the skin may include partial or total hair loss, thin shiny skin, flakey, irritated, itchy, burns, red, or hypersensitive skin. In addition to physical discomfort and energy loss, these skin problems can affect patients emotionally— perceived loss of beauty, feelings of loss, grief.

The best oncologists don’t wait until a rash or blotches develop. Instead, early in treatment, they recommend soothing body washes and creams to patients. “Today there are more drugs that cause skin issues,” said Dr. David Decker, an oncologist at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich. “Skincare must become more of a focus.”

“Addressing skin care is not unreasonable,” said Dr. David F. Horne, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. “The patient may have a tumor in their lung but the only changes they’re seeing are in their skin.”

Of course, even though the IQ Pink line is especially designed to help with cancer treatment comfort and recovery, we recommend that clients first check with their physician before beginning a skin care regimen.