How to Ease a Chemotherapy Patient's Skin Problems

Chemotherapy kills cancer cells by killing fast-growing cells. However, chemotherapy also affects normal cells that grow quickly, such as skin cells. Common skin problems during treatment include itching, rashes, sun sensitivity and allergic reactions. Cancer patients must take steps to care for their skin during chemotherapy to prevent serious complications.

Things You'll Need

• Cornstarch
• Glycerin-based soap
• Colloidal oatmeal soap
• Fragrance free moisturizer
• Sunscreen
• Sun-shielding clothing
• SPF clothing wash

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Instructions

• 1

  Sprinkle cornstarch on your skin to relieve itching. Doctors prefer cornstarch to talcum powder, which can cause irritation.

• 2

  Take short lukewarm showers or baths rather than hot showers or baths. Although a hot bath is relaxing, hot water dries out sensitive skin.

• 3

  Use a mild, glycerin-based soap. You may look for a soap that's fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Soaps that contain colloidal oatmeal can also relieve itching.

• 4

  Apply fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after bathing. If you plan to be outdoors, use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 or greater.

• 5

  Wear clothing that protects your skin from the sun. You can buy clothing that offers built-in SPF protection, or you can buy a product that adds SPF protection to the clothes you own by adding the product to the washing machine.