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Skin care during cancer treatment
Different cancer treatments have different effects on your skin. It will depend on the drugs or radiation used, how long the treatment is and where it is given. Not everyone has these side effects.
Let your health care team know if you are having any problems.
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. Good skin care during treatment
Avoid irritating your skin
 Wear clothes that don’t rub anywhere. Avoid synthetic fibres and wool that may irritate. Cotton is better. Avoid very hot or cold temperatures on your skin – hot water bottles, hair dryers, ice packs, wind. Protect yourself from sunlight. Use a soothing cream to soften your skin and reduce inflammation. Ask your pharmacist which ones are best. They need not be expensive.Clean your skin regularly
Be gentle. Rinse well and pat dry with a soft towel. If anything irritates your skin, stop using it. Sorbolene can be used instead of soap. Avoid perfumes, lanolin, or products containing alcohol. Non-allergenic products are available. Moisturise well.Help for dry skin
Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. Moisturise 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
Protect your hands – moisturise and use gloves when working. Keep your nails cut short and square – don’t cut your cuticles. Nail products such as cuticle cream, oily nail polish and nail lotion may help. Use sunscreen on your hands when outside.Sun protection is even more important during your treatment
Stay out of the sun between 10 and 3pm – see the UV alert for when to protect yourself. Cover up with closely woven clothing and a broad brimmed hat. Wear wrap-around sunglasses. Apply a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.Changes in skin colour
Most changes will disappear when your treatment is finished. Itching
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. You can help
Apply cold for 1 or 2 mins only. Avoid becoming hot or cold – keep rooms cool and well ventilated. Avoid irritants as described before – clothes that rub, irritating soaps or laundry powders, perfumes etc. Use bland unperfumed creams to soothe. Add a few drops of baby oil or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to your bath. 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. Find out more
Read Skin care during cancer treatment
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