Skin problems and cancer treatment

Download PDF Print

PDF download is not available for Arabic and Urdu languages at this time. Please use the browser print function instead

Cancer treatment can cause skin problems such as dryness and redness. Read about some tips to help you manage skin changes during treatment.

Key points

  • Skin problems during cancer treatment include dryness, redness, itchy skin and break outs, as well as problems in the treatment area if you are receiving radiation.
  • Follow your doctor's skin care instructions, especially during radiation, as some products can interfere with treatment.
  • Take care to avoid sun exposure and talk to your health-care team before putting new products on your skin or if your skin problems are bothering you.

During treatment you may notice your skin is acting differently. Some skin problems may include dryness, redness, itchy skin or break outs. You may notice some skin problems in the treatment area if you are receiving radiation. Your skin may be extra sensitive and require special care.

If you’re in treatment, be sure to write down and follow your doctor’s skin care orders, especially during radiation. Some products can actually interfere with treatment.

Here are some basic tips to manage skin changes.

  • Be sun safe. Talk to your health-care team about special precautions so you can avoid damage from the sun.
  • Always ask your health-care team before putting anything (even soap) on your skin if you are having radiation.
  • Be gentle. Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers.
  • If your skin problems are bothering you, talk to your health-care team. They can help you manage.
Last updated: September 3rd 2019