Chemotherapy medications have the potential to cause many side effects, one of them being dry skin.
The skin may feel tight and become itchy.
Identifying dry skin early and starting treatment to manage it is helpful.
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They can also be very drying and remove the natural oils on the skin.
Use productslabeled “perfume-free,” “allergen-free,” or “for sensitive skin.”
Your healthcare provider may recommend gentle cleansers to clean the skin.
Patdont rubyourskin dry after bathing.
The friction of rubbing a towel over wet skin can cause and irritate dry skin.
When getting out of the shower, don’t use a blow dryer to dry yourself.
Moisturize
Moisturizing the skin regularly is an important step in keeping skin from becoming too dry.
Moisturizing regularly with a skin cream is recommended.
Using cream after showering can help retain some of the moisture from the water.
Detergents that are marketed for babies may also be mild enough for dry skin.
The gloves will protect you from chemicals in household cleaners and outdoor lawn/gardening products.
Your healthcare provider may be able to prescribe a topical cream or lotion.
They may also refer you to a dermatologist to aid with the care of your skin.
Summary
Dry skin is a common symptom associated with cancer treatment.
Keeping a close eye on the skin can help prevent dry skin and its complications.
Dry skin can be a bothersome symptom for people getting chemotherapy.
It can be uncomfortable and affect your quality of life.
Taking preventative measures to keep skin moisturized helps prevent complications such as cracking, peeling, or bleeding.
Always ask your healthcare team for any suggestions of products to use or avoid.
It can also affect some of the ducts that produce oils that hydrate and protect the skin.
How long dry skin lasts after chemotherapy depends upon the jot down of chemotherapy that was given.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Fluorouracil.
National Cancer Institute.Skin and nail changes during cancer treatment.
2013;5:401-408. doi:10.2147/CMAR.S52256
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Coping with cancer - looking and feeling your best.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Contact dermatitis.
