Overview
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer. It has many potential benefits when it comes to effectively treating cancer, but it also tends to cause side effects like changes in texture, colour or health of your skin.
You can take steps to manage the skin-related side effects of chemo, including steps that minimize discomfort.
Read on to learn more about how chemo could possibly affect your skin, as well the strategies you can use to feel and look your best during treatment.
How Can You Protect and Soothe Your Skin During Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy might affect your skin in several ways.
For example, during chemotherapy, your skin can become dry, rough, itchy, and red. It’s also possible you might experience peeling, cracks, sores, or rashes. Chemo may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn.
To help protect and relieve skin-related side effects from chemotherapy:
Use mild unscented cleanser for face and body, such as natural soap bar.
Avoid perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, and other alcohol-based products. Your doctor or nurse might also advise you to avoid certain types of antiperspirants or deodorants.
Take short showers or baths in cool or lukewarm water, rather than hot water. When you finish, gently pat your skin dry with a soft clean towel.
After you finish your shower or bath, apply an unscented moisturizing lotion, mineral oil, or baby oil to your skin while it’s still damp.
If your skin is sore or irritated, consider shaving less often or not at all. If you do shave, use an electric razor, which is usually a gentler option.
Wear loose-fitting clothing because it’s less likely to rub against your skin and cause irritation. Wash clothes in a mild, dye-free and fragrance-free detergent.
Protect your skin from sunlight by wearing sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 30 or higher, a wide-brimmed hat, and long-sleeved clothes. Try to limit the time you spend outside during peak sunlight hours and avoid tanning beds.
Unless your doctor or nurse has advised you to limit your fluid intake, drink 2 to 3 quarts of water or other fluids every day.
How Can You Look and Feel Like Yourself?
Skin-related side effects of chemo tend to be temporary. However, they can be a source of anxiety. If you don’t look or feel like yourself, that might make your overall treatment more stressful.
In some cases, applying makeup might help you feel more confident or comfortable about your appearance during chemo. For example, it might help to:
Apply a silicone-based makeup primer to your face to even out the texture or tone of your skin.
Dab a creamy concealer on red or dark areas of your face. It might also help to apply a color-correcting cream, mineral makeup powder, or foundation.
Apply blush to your cheeks, blending upward toward your ear lobes to give your face a glow.
Use a tinted lip balm or moisturizing lipstick to give your lips more color.
If you’ve lost your eyelashes or eyebrows, you can also use a soft eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, and brow powder to create the effect of eyelashes and eyebrows.
If your skin texture, tone, or sensitivity has changed during treatment, you might need to use different products than you usually reach for.
To limit the risk of infection, buy new makeup to use during and after treatment. Replace your makeup regularly and always wash your hands before applying it.
How Does Chemotherapy Affect Skin and What Should I Watch Out for
Certain skin side effects of chemotherapy are more common than others. For example, it’s very common for chemotherapy to lead to skin dryness, redness, and sun sensitivity.
Some side effects are less common, but more severe.
If you’ve undergone radiation therapy, chemotherapy can trigger a skin reaction known as radiation recall. In this reaction, a sunburn-like rash develops on areas of the body that have been treated with radiation. Symptoms include:
redness
swelling
pain or tenderness
blisters or wet sores
peeling skin
In rare cases, chemotherapy can trigger an allergic reaction. This may cause symptoms in one or more parts of your body, including your skin.
For example, potential signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include sudden or severe itchiness, hives, or rash.
The Takeaway
If you develop skin-related side effects from chemotherapy, talk to your doctor or nurse. They may prescribe medications to help treat the symptoms.
You can help protect and soothe your skin by using gentle, scent-free products, such as moisturizers made from natural ingredients, natural solid soap, and laundry detergents for sensitive skin.
Adjusting your hygiene or makeup routine may also help you feel better about how you look during treatment.
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