Rashes and Skin Changes

Other common skin changes

You might see other skin changes because of your cancer treatment including dry or itchy skin, wounds or scars, and skin color changes.

Dry skin

Dry skin can be rough, flaky, red, and sometimes painful. It is often caused by not having enough oil and water in the layers of your skin. Common causes of dry skin include dehydration, heat, cold, or poor nutrition. Dry skin can be a side effect of cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplant.

Itchy skin

Itching is usually an uncomfortable feeling that can lead to poor sleep, anxiety, abrasions or wounds, and infection. The medical name for itching is pruritus. Certain cancer treatments, medicines, skin conditions, or other health problems can cause itching.

Skin color changes

Changes in skin color can happen in any person for different reasons. The medical name for skin color changes is cutaneous pigmentation. Changes in skin color can be caused by different types of cancer treatments or medicines.

They can also be a sign of another health concern. For example, yellow skin can be a sign of liver problems; pale or blue lips can be a sign of breathing problems; bruised skin can be a sign of low blood counts or bleeding.

Photosensitivity

Certain treatments and medicines can cause your skin to be more sensitive to light. This is known as photosensitivity.

Radiation dermatitis

Almost everyone receiving radiation therapy experiences some degree of radiation dermatitis (skin irritation that may be red, dry, itchy, or peeling).  It usually happens only on skin in the area getting radiation. It may be mild or severe depending on the dose of radiation therapy and what area is being treated.

Radiation recall

Radiation recall is a rare side effect that happens to some people who receive chemotherapy after having radiation therapy. While not well understood, some people experience a skin reaction (dermatitis) in the area previously treated with radiation. Radiation recall can happen weeks, months, or years after getting radiation therapy.

Wounds and scars

Skin conditions that aren’t managed, surgical procedures, and complications such as pressure sores can cause wounds and scars.

Learn more: Scars and Wounds

Signs and symptoms

Rashes and other skin changes can show up on your scalp, face, neck, chest, upper back, and sometimes on other parts of your body. Rashes can itch, burn, sting, or be painful. Most rashes and skin changes develop within a few weeks of cancer treatment, but they can happen at any time.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Pain, discomfort, or skin sensitivity
• Dry, rough, scaly, or flaky skin
• Redness or swelling
• Pink, red, or purple spots that can be different sizes and patterns
• Cracked skin or nails
• Excessive scratching or scratch marks
• Sores or ulcers
• Yellowing of the skin or the whites of eyes

When to alert your health care team

Let your health care team know if you have:

• New or worsening rash, skin changes, or wounds
• Itching that doesn’t go away or prevents you from being able to sleep for more than 2 days
• Rough, bright red, or painful skin areas
• Open, bleeding, or blistered skin
• Bruises that don’t go away within a week
• Yellowish skin or whites of eyes
• Skin problems with drainage, pus, or other fluids that smell bad

Treatments

Not all skin changes need to be treated. But if you have symptoms that are severe or don’t go away, you might get one or more of the following treatments.

Topical therapies

Topical therapies are the most common treatment for rashes and other skin changes, such as dryness or itchiness. A topical therapy is any treatment that is applied to the skin. This includes moisturizers, steroid creams, or other anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Steroids

Steroids are often used for rashes or skin changes caused by immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, or stem cell transplant because they calm down the immune system reaction.

Immunotherapy

For very severe rashes that don’t respond to other treatments, certain types of immunotherapy can help suppress an overactive immune system.

Antibiotics

If you have a very severe rash or skin problem, or if you have signs or symptoms of infection, your health care team might suggest antibiotics to prevent infection. Antibiotics can be topical (applied to your skin), oral (pills that you swallow), or intravenous (through an IV in your vein).

Other therapies

Other treatments and therapies might be used, depending on your symptoms. For example, if you have itching that doesn’t respond to creams or steroids, you might be given medications such as antihistamines. Cool cloths can help with pain and swelling. Pain medicines might also be used, especially if you can’t sleep because of your symptoms.

Tips for managing skin changes and rashes

If you have skin changes, talk to your doctor or cancer care team about your symptoms. Ask what products or supplies they suggest using. If they don’t recommend anything specific, choose mild soaps, lotions, or moisturizers that don’t have perfumes or harsh chemicals. (Perfumes and harsh chemicals can irritate your skin or even make your symptoms worse.)

Here are some ways you can take care of your skin and prevent skin changes from getting worse:

Keep it clean. Wash the affected area at least once a day with gentle soap and warm water. Pat dry.

Keep it moisturized. Unless you’re told otherwise, keep the area moisturized. Use a hypoallergenic, cream-based moisturizer such as Vanicream, Aveeno, CeraVe, or Eucerin.

Use clean, dry clothes and towels. Don’t share with other people.  

Protect the affected area from extremely hot or cold temperatures.

Protect your skin from the sun and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 and zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Apply it at least 1 hour before going outside. Wear sunglasses with UV protection. Wear a hat or head covering to protect your scalp.

Avoid irritating the area as it heals. Wear loose, soft, comfortable clothing and shoes. Avoid tight clothing, very hot water, and products without strong perfumes or irritating chemicals.

Try to avoid scratching or injury to the area. This can make rashes and skin problems worse, break open skin, and increase your risk of infection and bleeding.

Avoid products with alcohol such as perfumes, colognes, and aftershave.

Use an electric razor to reduce your risk of damage or injury to skin.

Soothe irritated skin. if you have itchy or irritated skin, try soaks with baking soda, oatmeal, or bath oil.