Common skin problems associated with cancer treatment: How to manage them
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Many cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplant, may cause side effects that lead to skin issues, such as a rash, dry or itchy skin, colour changes or extreme sensitivity to light. Some skin problems resolve themselves after the patient finishes treatment.
Radiodermatitis constitutes 95% of all side effects in patients after radiotherapy and a medical study showed that radiotherapy causes skin barrier dysfunction in all patients. (1,2) Cancer treatment-related skin toxicities can be distressing as skin toxicities can alter one’s appearance and serve as a constant reminder of their ailment. Toxicities affecting quality of life (QOL) can limit patients’ daily functionality, force changes in their therapy schedules, and even lead to treatment termination.
A healthy skin microbiome protects against pathogenic organisms, whereas disruptions in the microenvironment can introduce skin irritations, including acute dermatitis and psoriasis, as well as skin toxicities caused by cancer treatment.
A study shows that skin changes caused by radiation dermatitis are associated with an increase in TEWL (3). The study results suggest that preservation of the epidermal permeability barrier function by topical treatment may ameliorate radiation dermatitis (4)
How to give your skin gentle care:
Radiodermatitis constitutes 95% of all side effects in patients after radiotherapy and a medical study showed that radiotherapy causes skin barrier dysfunction in all patients. (1,2) Cancer treatment-related skin toxicities can be distressing as skin toxicities can alter one’s appearance and serve as a constant reminder of their ailment. Toxicities affecting quality of life (QOL) can limit patients’ daily functionality, force changes in their therapy schedules, and even lead to treatment termination.
A healthy skin microbiome protects against pathogenic organisms, whereas disruptions in the microenvironment can introduce skin irritations, including acute dermatitis and psoriasis, as well as skin toxicities caused by cancer treatment.
A study shows that skin changes caused by radiation dermatitis are associated with an increase in TEWL (3). The study results suggest that preservation of the epidermal permeability barrier function by topical treatment may ameliorate radiation dermatitis (4)
How to give your skin gentle care:
- Wash the treated skin gently every day with warm water.
- Bathe or shower with a mild, low-pH cleanser.
- Wash the skin gently, don’t scrub. Avoid abrasive cloths, sponges and products.
- Use a gentle, unscented moisturiser with skin barrier enhancing benefit, reducing TEWL.
- Apply moisturiser every day as directed.
- Avoid fragrances, essential oils, harsh chemicals, alcohol in the products.
- Avoid shaving the treated skin.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes.
- Cover your treated skin with sun-protective clothing.
- Skip the hot tub.
- Keep fingernails clean and short to reduce damage to the skin if scratching can't be curbed.
After radiation therapy, keep an eye on your treated skin. Sometimes, side effects can show up weeks, months, or even years after you finish radiation therapy, even if you didn't have any issues during the treatment. Pay attention to the skin that got radiation. After treatment, make sure to keep a close watch on the treated skin. If you see redness, a rash, or any changes, give your oncologist or dermatologist a call. It's important to get it checked out.
References:
- Pazdrowski J, Polaſska A, Kaźmierska J, Barczak W, Szewczyk M, Adamski Z, Żaba R, Golusiſski P, Golusiſski W, Daſczak-Pazdrowska A. Skin barrier function in patients under radiation therapy due to the head and neck cancers - Preliminary study. Rep Pract Oncol Radiother. 2019 Nov-Dec;24(6):563-567. doi: 10.1016/j.rpor.2019.09.001. Epub 2019 Oct 17. PMID: 31660049; PMCID: PMC6807069.
- Richardson BN, Lin J, Buchwald ZS, Bai J. Skin Microbiome and Treatment-Related Skin Toxicities in Patients With Cancer: A Mini-Review. Front Oncol. 2022 Jul 15;12:924849. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2022.924849. PMID: 35912217; PMCID: PMC9334917.
- Schmuth M, Sztankay A, Weinlich G, Linder DM, Wimmer MA, Fritsch PO, Fritsch E. Permeability barrier function of skin exposed to ionizing radiation. Arch Dermatol. 2001 Aug;137(8):1019-23. PMID: 11493094.
- Berger A, Regueiro C, Hijal T, Pasquier D, De La Fuente C, Le Tinier F, Coche-Dequeant B, Lartigau E, Moyal D, Seité S, Bensadoun RJ. Interest of Supportive and Barrier Protective Skin Care Products in the Daily Prevention and Treatment of Cutaneous Toxicity During Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer (Auckl). 2018 Jan 23;12:1178223417752772. doi: 10.1177/1178223417752772. PMID: 29434476; PMCID: PMC5802618.
