Tips for Skin Care during Cancer Treatment

Written by the Cancer Council South Australia – an agency dedicated to increasing scientific understanding and public knowledge of cancer

Let your health care team know if you are having any problems.

Different cancer treatments have different effects on your skin. It will depend on the drugs or radiation used, how long the treatment is, your skin condition, and where it is given. Not everyone has side effects.

 

Radiotherapy can cause redness, peeling, thinning of the skin, and occasionally long term changes. Chemotherapy can cause dryness, inflammation, itching, ulceration, increased UV sensitivity, an acne like rash, pigmentation changes, nail changes and hair loss.

Avoid irritating your skin

1. Wear clothes that don’t rub anywhere.
2. Avoid synthetic fibers and wool that may irritate. Cotton is better.
3. Avoid very hot or cold temperatures on your skin – hot water bottles, hair dryers, ice packs, wind.
4. Protect yourself from sunlight.Use a soothing cream to soften your skin and reduce inflammation.

Clean your skin regularly

1. Be gentle.
2. Rinse well and pat dry with a soft towel.
3. If anything irritates your skin, stop using it.
4. Sorbolene can be used instead of soap.
5. Avoid perfumes, lanolin, or products containing alcohol.
6. Non-allergenic products are available.
7. Moisturize well.

Help for dry skin

Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. Moisturize while your skin is still damp. Protect your skin from heat, cold and sun.Take special care around your eyes, and on your lips.

Nail care

1. Protect your hands – moisturize and use gloves when working.
2. Keep your nails cut short and square – don’t cut your cuticles.
3. Nail products such as cuticle cream, oily nail polish and nail lotion may help.
4. Use sunscreen on your hands when outside.

Sun protection is even more important during your treatment.

1. Stay out of the sun between 10 and 3pm.
2. Cover up with closely woven clothing and a broad brimmed hat.
3. Wear wrap-around sunglasses.
4. Apply a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.

Changes in skin color

Most changes will disappear when your treatment is finished.

Itching

1. If you are itching a lot, it’s hard not to scratch or rub – but this can cause skin damage. Tell your doctor so they can provide the best treatment.
2. Apply cold for 1 or 2 mins only.
3. Avoid becoming hot or cold – keep rooms cool and well ventilated.
4. Avoid irritants as described before – clothes that rub, irritating soaps or laundry powders, perfumes etc. Use bland un-perfumed creams to soothe.
5. Add a few drops of baby oil or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to your bath.
6. Keep your nails short and wear gloves at night.

Skin sores

Sores are common when you are in one place for long periods (bed, wheelchair) and can’t move much. Let your health care team know as soon as a sore spot starts.