XEROSIS,
PRURITUS
Dry skin with widespread peeling, often with itching
Dull skin
Hygiene
Gentle cleansing products that respect the skin’s natural pH balance, such as syndet(1)
Bath oils(1)
Take 33-35 °C showers instead of baths(2)
Gently pat the skin dry, do not rub the skin(2)
Apply skin care products immediately on damp skin(1)
Skin care products
Light texture moisturizers(1), may contain urea
Photo-protection
Anti-UVA/anti-UVB photo-protection At least SPF 50(1)
Clothing
Wear cotton clothing(2)
Do not wear wool (microfibers) or synthetic clothing (not breathable...)(2)
Avoid irritants which cause itching (e.g. soaps, detergents, chemical products, abrasive fabrics, etc.)(1)
Heat / moisturising
Avoid dressing too warmly because heat and sweating trigger pruritus(1)
PULPITIS,
CREVICES
Hyperkeratosis with painful linear erosions which may be more or less deep
Hygiene
Gentle cleansing products that respect the skin’s natural pH balance, such as syndet(1)
Avoid contact with water if possible(2)
Pat dry(1)
Skin care products
Moisturizing creams(1)
Soothing skin care product for irritated and weakened skin.(1)
If there are cracks(1): Use a repairing emollient / balm with an occlusive dressing.
Clothing
Gloves are recommended for indoor and outdoor work(1)
Use an inner pair of gloves made of suitable fabric (e.g. silk)(1)
PARONYCHIA
Painful inflammation of the periungual area (where the nail and skin meet at the base of the nail)
A fleshy bump may sometimes form or a pseudo-botriomycoma at the side of the nail
May lead to a bacterial infection by staphylococcus aureus or candida
Hygiene
Gentle cleansing products that respect the skin’s natural pH balance, such as syndet(1)
Always practice proper hand hygiene(2)
Cut your nails properly: straight cut, not too short, avoiding any jagged edges (especially at the sides of the nails)(1)
Use proper clippers and antiseptic products(1)
Avoid invasive manicures and pedicures(2)
Skin care products
Strengthening nail polish(1)
Soothing skin care product for irritated and weakened skin.(1)
Apply two coats of nail polish before chemotherapy:
- 1/ silicon base
- 2/ dark, non-pearly nail polish(1)
If you have asymptomatic paronychia: avoid invasive pedicures/manicures(1)
If you have moderate-to-severe symptomatic paronychia: Pedicures/manicures only under dermatological supervision(1)
MACULOPAPULAR RASH
Polymorphic erythematous, macular and/or papular rash interspersed with patches of healthy skin.
Progressive spread. Frequent pruritis.
Hygiene
Gentle cleansing products that respect the skin’s natural pH balance, such as syndet(1)
Nail care(2)
Skin care products
Light texture moisturizers(1)
Avoid products which may dry the skin out (e.g. alcohol-based products, soaps, etc.)(2)
FACIAL SWELLING
Swelling caused by fluid retention in the dermis and in subcutaneous tissues, induced by chemotherapy
May occur in the face, extremities and, occasionally, in the abdominal area
Hygiene
Gentle cleansing products that respect the skin’s natural pH balance, such as syndet(1)
Skin care products
Moisturizing cream(1)
Diet
Avoid salt(2)
Sources
(1) Livret pharmaciens – gérer les effets secondaires cutanés des thérapies anti-cancer. [Booklet for pharmacists – managing the cutaneous side effects of cancer treatments.
(2) ESKIMO group round table: Bensadoun RJ, Dreno B, Humbert P, Krutmann J, Luger T, Rougier A, Triller R.
Updated in May 2016 by
Professor Brigitte Dréno
Director of the Department of Dermato Cancerology
Director of the Unit of Gene and Cell Therapy
Vice Dean for Research at the Faculty of Medicine Nantes France
