Skin and mucous membranes - Side effect to cancer treatment

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Treatment can cause changes to the skin and mucous membranes, e.g.:

Rash
Dry skin and/or mucous membranes
Itchy skin

Rash, itchy and dry skin and mucous membranes

A rash will predominantly occur during targeted biological treatment. Typically it will occur within the first couple of weeks of treatment - usually on the face, neck, scalp, upper body and arms.

Most people will only experience mild and moderate symptoms such as redness and soreness of the skin, sensory changes, dry skin and mucous membranes, itchy and peeling skin.

Itchy skin can occur because the skin gets very dry and starts to peel off.

A few people will experience a rash resembling pimples, but this should not be treated as pimples. It can be fluid-filled blisters or pustules, which in time will dry out and form scabs. There is no infection in the rash itself, but an infection can be induced by scratching, so do not remove the pimples or scratch them!

The rash is not infectious.

The rash can appear and disappear spontaneously. It will disappear spontaneously approximately 4 weeks after treatment is completed.

In areas, where there has been a rash, skin discolouring and scar formation can occur, but preventative measures can contribute to the changes not being so pronounced.

What you can do

Wash skin daily with lukewarm water, as hot water will dry out the skin. Avoid long, hot showers and sauna. Use a mild, perfume-free soap and shampoo - e.g. bathgel with oil. Moisturise after every shower
Moisturise the whole body with a rich perfume-free lotion twice a day
Avoid products for acne, as they can dry out your skin and increase the rash
If needed, use an allergy friendly concealer and make-up remover. Avoid perfume
Avoid direct sunlight, and use sun screen lotion with high spf. Wear a hat and long sleeved pullovers
Wear loose fitting clothes, and avoid man made fibres
Use fragrance-free washing powder and avoid fabric conditioner
A rash can be treated with steroid cream. In case of blisters or pustules, antibiotics may be prescribed

Use a rich and perfume-free lotion at least twice a day on your whole body

A rich cream or bath oil can be massaged into the scalp in case of dry and peeling skin
A little rich cream can be applied with a cotton bud to the nasal mucous membrane to alleviate dryness
Use sunglasses to prevent eye watering, and eye drops to prevent the eyes from stinging because of dryness

Vaginal dryness can be alleviated with moisturising gel, lubricants or vaginal suppositories. Lubricants should be used during intercourse

Use sanitary towels rather than tampons during menstruation

Use a rich and perfume-free lotion twice daily on your whole body

Use dandruff shampoo to alleviate itchy skin on the scalp. You can also massage a rich cream or oil into the scalp

Avoid scratching!

Itchy skin can be treated with steroid cream and/or anti-histamin tablets

Contact

In case of any questions. Please contact the Oncology Department. Telephone number are on your contact card., or go to:

Skin and mucous membranes - Side effect to cancer treatment

Rash, itchy and dry skin and mucous membranes

What you can do

Prevent and treat a rash

Prevent and treat dry skin and mucous membranes

Prevent and treat itchy skin

Contact