Skin Side Effects

21.03.2024

SKIN SIDE EFFECTS IN CANCER TREATMENT

Skin side effects, which are frequently seen in cancer treatment, may be caused by chemotherapy and targeted therapies. These side effects include skin dryness, itching, rashes, acne-like lesions, skin color changes, and photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight). Radiation dermatitis may occur in patients receiving radiotherapy, in which case the skin becomes red, sensitive and sometimes burn-like reactions may occur. The importance of skin care increases during treatment and regular moisturizing, gentle skin cleansing and sun protection measures may be required. Topical treatments, oral medications, and sometimes corticosteroids may be used to manage skin side effects.

Some medications that can cause skin side effects in cancer treatment include:

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitors (e.g. cetuximab, Panitumumab): It may cause acne-like rashes and skin dryness.

BRAF inhibitors (e.g. Vemurafenib, Dabrafenib): It may cause photosensitivity and hyperkeratotic lesions.

Multikinase inhibitors (e.g. Sorafenib, Sunitinib): May cause skin rash and hand-foot syndrome.

Immunotherapies (e.g. Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab): It may cause itching and maculopapular rashes.

Management of skin side effects and necessary skin care are important during the use of these drugs.

Image 1: During cancer treatment, treatment-related itching, peeling and sores may occur on the hands, feet and other parts of the body.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

Skin side effects in cancer treatment usually occur due to chemotherapy, targeted therapies and radiotherapy. These side effects may include:

Skin Dryness and Itching: It may cause the skin to lose moisture and cause itching.

Rashes: It may appear as acne-like rashes.

Photosensitivity: Treated skin may become more sensitive to sunlight.

Hand-Foot Syndrome: Painful redness and peeling may occur on the hands and feet.

Hyperpigmentation: Color changes and spots may appear on the skin.

Image 2: A biopsy may be necessary to find the cause of resistant skin wounds that occur during cancer treatment.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT METHODS?

Treatment of skin side effects in cancer treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the side effect. Intense moisturizers and hypoallergenic skin care products can be used for skin dryness and itching. Topical or oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended for acne-like rashes. In case of hand-foot syndrome, protective creams and cold compresses may be useful. Sun protection and sunscreens with high protection factors are recommended for photosensitivity. In all cases, a detailed approach to skin care and protection is required and dermatological consultation is important in this process.

Drug Dosage: The dose of medication causing side effects may be reduced or discontinued.

Moisturizers and Protective Creams: It can be used to reduce skin dryness and itching.

Topical Steroids: It can be used for severe rashes and inflammation.

Antihistamines: It can be used to reduce itching.

Photo Protection: It can be used to protect the skin from the sun with sunscreen and protective clothing.

Special Care for Hand-Foot Syndrome: Cold compresses and hypoallergenic lotions can be used.

Each skin side effect and treatment method may vary depending on the individual patient's condition and type of treatment. Therefore, it is important to consult a physician if any skin side effects are noticed.