IMPACT OF CANCER TREATMENTS ON SKIN
INTRODUCTION:

1 min read

The working group European SKIn Management in Oncology (ESKIMO) has analysed and identified the various side effects of treatments and has proposed recommendations of suitable dermo-cosmetic care products. This section is a guide of best practices and products which may help limit and prevent the cutaneous side effects of cancer treatments.

These valuable dermo-cosmetic hygiene tips will help improve patients’ daily lives during their illness.

“Daily cosmetic care is essential to protect the skin from aggressive cancer treatments. It is the key to a better quality of life during treatments.”  Professor Brigitte Dréno*

Do not hesitate to ask your medical team (doctor, oncologist, dermatologist, nurses) about cutaneous effects of cancer treatments.

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SUMMARY OF THE KEY
PREVENTION MEASURES

BEFORE TREATMENT

PREVENT CUTANEOUS INFECTIONS WHILE GROOMING

TO DO

Cleansing gels without soap (syndet, dermatological bar, milk) that respect the acidic pH of the skin (5.5)

TO AVOID

Ordinary soaps without physiological pH greater than 5.5 and Lotions with alcohol, perfumes, deodorant with fragrances

 

PREVENT SUNBURNS

TO DO

Use photoprotection when outdoors year-round (anti UVA high to very high / anti UVB: SPF 50)

TO AVOID

Sun exposure without protection

Caution: remember that UVAs are not filtered out by windows or clouds

 

NAIL CARE

TO DO

Protect your nails with a strengthening nail polish

TO AVOID

Repeated manicures and/or pedicures

Cutting your nails too short

Foot baths in hot water

 

PREVENT ANY KIND OF TRAUMA

TO DO

Wear suitable shoes

Wear gloves when performing manual tasks

Take short showers at appropriate temperatures

Dry your skin without rubbing

TO AVOID

Shoe friction

Handiwork

Water that is too hot or too cold

Long baths or showers

Rubbing the skin with a towel

Sources
Livret pharmaciens – gérer les effets secondaires cutanés des thérapies anti-cancer. [Booklet for pharmacists – managing the cutaneous side effects of cancer treatments.

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