Skin Reactions (Chemotherapy/Biotherapy)

Skin reactions can occur from many types of cancer treatment—chemotherapy, biotherapy, and radiation. In this section, learn about the types of skin reactions you may face during chemotherapy and biotherapy treatment. Radiation skin reactions are discussed separately. Not all of the skin reactions below will occur with every treatment; your oncology nurse or physician will tell you the kinds of side effects you can expect from your particular cancer medication.

Rash

Rashes are a common side effect of cancer medications. Depending on the type of chemotherapy or targeted therapy, rashes can occur in almost 100% of patients taking a particular drug. Rashes can take two main forms: acneform or maculopapular. Acneform rashes look a bit like acne and usually occur on the face and body. Maculopular rashes look like large, red areas of skin covered with small bumps, and the rash usually occurs on the upper torso. This kind of rash can also be very itchy.

Hand-Foot Syndrome

Also known as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, hand-foot syndrome develops as redness and discomfort in the palms and soles. You may also feel tingling in your fingertips. If not treated or controlled, it may develop into pain and tenderness in the hands and feet, with swelling, flaking skin, and sores. This is the second-most common side effect of various cancer drugs.

Other Skin Reactions

These reactions occur less frequently, but you may notice them depending on the type of treatment you receive.

• Dry skin (clinically known as xerosis)
• Itchy skin (clinically known as pruritus); often occurs along with rashes
• Nail infection (clinically known as paronychia); causes extreme tenderness alongside fingernails
• Sensitivity to sunlight or ultraviolet light (photosensitivity)

A final note: Depending on your particular situation, you may not have a skin reaction until after you are finished with treatment. Skin reactions come and go; they may seem to get better on their own, or they may come back again later. If your oncology nurse and physician are unable to manage your reactions, they may refer you to a dermatologist.