Some cancer treatments can affect your skin and nails. Their condition and appearance may change, depending on the drug or treatment you are receiving. Tell your doctor or nurse about any skin changes. Your cancer team can advise on looking after your skin. They may tell you if there are
products you should use or avoid. It is important to follow their advice.
How treatment can affect your skin :
Some chemotherapy drugs make your skin dry and more sensitive to sunlight. Certain drugs may make the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet red and sore (palmar-plantar syndrome). Your specialist can give you advice and may reduce the dose of the drug.
Radiotherapy can affect the skin colour in the treated area or cause broken veins to appear later. Your skin may become red, sore or itchy. If you have dark skin, it may become darker. The person giving you your radiotherapy will tell you how to care for your skin during and after your treatment. It is important to follow their advice.
Hormonal therapy drugs may affect your skin, nails and hair, the effects are usually mild and may cause dry skin and rashes. Rarely, they may also cause spots. Some people have medicines called steroids as part of their treatment. Steroids can make your skin more likely to get spots and redden.
Chemotherapy, targeted and immunotherapies, hormonal therapies or steroids can all cause rashes, dry skin or spots that look like acne. If you are having immunotherapy treatment and you get a rash, tell your doctor straight away. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies can also make your skin itchy and more sensitive.
