The skin is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for not only protecting the body and the other organs from damage and infection, but also regulating the temperature, disposing of waste, providing the sense of touch and producing vitamin D. The skin is effected by what we eat and drink, our age, physical activity, illness and medication side effects. Chemotherapy is the use of medications to destroy cancer cells. These drugs are very potent, and although they target cancer cells, they can also cause side effects to healthy parts of the body, including the skin.
Itchy and Dry Skin
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause the skin to become dry, flaky or even cracked. This happens because the essential oils and moisture are depleted by the chemotherapy agents. Another factor that can cause dry skin is dehydration, a condition where the body does not have enough water. When the body becomes dehydrated the skin becomes dry. When taking chemotherapy, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration and resulting skin problems.
Plantar-Palmar Syndrome
Many chemotherapy drugs can cause redness and peeling of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, resulting in plantar-palmar syndrome. This syndrome may also result in numbness and tingling feelings as well as pain and dry skin. Taking vitamin B6 can help alleviate these uncomfortable symptoms.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin, either in a localized area or the overall skin. Sometimes the darkening of the skin happens in response to exposure to the sun or light. Some chemotherapy agents, including fluorouracil and vinorelbine, are given intravenously and cause the veins of the arms to darken. Most that experience hyperpigmentation see discoloration near areas of pressure such as where tape or dressings are applied.
Rashes and Acne
A rash is a generalized skin reaction often caused by medications. Most drug-induced rashes begin on the trunk of the body, but can extend to the extremities. These rashes are usually described as macularpapular, meaning there is a flat red area that is covered with small bumps. These bumps, or pustules, appear similar to acne. Avoid scratching itchy skin and rashes. Soothe your skin by applying calamine lotion, or prepare a paste of corn starch and water and rub it on the affected areas. If the rash or itchiness becomes worse or lasts for a prolonged time, consult your doctor to obtain appropriate treatment options.
Prevention
To reduce or prevent skin irritations due to chemotherapy do not bathe in hot water, as hot water has a drying effect on the skin. Avoid swimming in pools. Chlorine can make rashes worse and cause more dryness. Apply sun screen daily, even if spending short amounts of time in the sun. Even small amounts of sun exposure can dry the skin, and chemotherapy treatments make your skin more vulnerable to burning from the UV rays.
To avoid additional skin irritation, do not wear scratchy clothing or tight clothes that may cause sweating. Wear loose, comfortable and soft clothes to help keep your skin healthy after chemotherapy treatments.
Tags: your skin, cancer cells, cause skin, chemotherapy agents, chemotherapy drugs