Going through cancer treatment can have a significant impact on your skin. If you’ve undergone chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, you may have noticed changes in your skin’s appearance and texture. Perhaps your skin is feeling sensitive or dry.
It can also be prone to various skin issues, so you must understand how to protect your skin after cancer treatment.
Effects of Cancer Treatments on the Skin
Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy
Chemotherapy and immunotherapy can often cause rashes and dry skin, which may be accompanied by itchiness or burning. While less common, these treatments can also lighten or darken the colour or pigment of your skin, hair, and nails.
These changes occur because these treatments target specific molecules in tumours. Unfortunately, these same molecules also exist in our skin, hair, and nails. Consequently, patients may experience side effects in these areas during treatment.
Typically, these skin changes are not permanent. Once you stop treatment, your skin should gradually return to its previous state.
Radiation Therapy 
Radiation therapy can also lead to skin changes in the treated area, including dryness, peeling, itching, redness, or darkening. Your skin might appear sunburned, swollen, or puffy. Sometimes, sores can develop and become painful, wet, and potentially infected, a condition known as a moist reaction.
These skin changes happen because radiation passes through the skin and can damage healthy cells in the treatment area. If you receive frequent radiation, your skin cells may not have enough time to repair and regenerate between treatments.
Surgery
Surgery’s side effects on the skin are usually scarring or disfigurement, especially when a wide excision or other extensive procedure is necessary.
Swelling and blistering can also occur in cryosurgery, a technique that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue.
Skin Care Plan After Cancer Treatment
Before starting any new skincare routine, consult our dermatologists to have your skin assessed. Then, based on your cancer treatment history, we will provide personalised recommendations.
Only a dermatologist can help you identify potential skin issues and develop a tailored plan to address them, including the following.
Sun protection
Protecting your skin from the sun is especially important after cancer treatment, particularly if you had radiation therapy. Essential sun protection tips include:
- Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily, even on cloudy days. Don’t forget to protect your lips with a sun-protective lip balm.
- Covering your treated skin with loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
- Trying to stay in the shade as much as possible to minimise sun exposure.
- Avoiding tanning beds and hot tubs. Tanning beds emit more UV rays than the sun and can seriously damage your skin. Additionally, the heat from a hot tub can irritate your skin and increase the risk of infection.
- Following your dermatologist’s recommendations regarding sun protection.
Gentle cleansing
As mentioned previously, rashes and itchy skin are common side effects of cancer treatments. To combat these two, try the following:
- Gently wash the treated area with warm water to remove bacteria.
- Be gentle when washing your skin, especially after undergoing radiation therapy. Avoid using washcloths, sponges, or loofahs, as these can irritate your skin.
- Opt for a mild, low-pH cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Ask your dermatologist for advice on which product to use.
- Apply the cleanser with your hands and rinse it off with warm water. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your skin.
- If your skin is really itchy, your doctor might suggest adding baking soda, bath oil, or oatmeal to your bath. You can put these ingredients in a cloth or mesh bag before adding them to the water.
Hydration
Proper hydration is necessary to prevent dryness and itchiness and reduce the risk of infection after cancer treatment. Your dermatologist will recommend specific moisturisers suitable for your skin type and needs.
If your skin is severely dry, itchy, or painful, ask your doctor about special creams or ointments that can provide relief. But, avoid applying moisturiser, creams, or ointments directly to open wounds and use only products prescribed by your doctor.
Topical skincare
The specific topical skincare products you’ll need will depend on your skin concerns and the cancer treatment you’ve undergone. But your dermatologist will mainly recommend avoiding products that contain:
- Alcohol, as it can be drying and irritating to the skin
- Fragrances because they can cause allergic reactions and sensitivity
- Talcum powder, which can irritate the skin and may contain harmful contaminants
Your dermatologist may also advise avoiding antiperspirants, which can irritate the skin.
For dry and cracked skin, your dermatologist may prescribe products containing:
- Salicylic acid—This helps to exfoliate and soften the skin.
- Urea—A natural humectant that helps to retain moisture.
- Ammonium lactate—Helps to soften and moisturise the skin.
- Lactic acid—A natural alpha hydroxy acid that can help to exfoliate and improve skin texture.
Skin treatments
While aesthetic treatments may not be necessary for everyone, they can help to improve your self-esteem and overall quality of life.
Laser treatments, for example, have been proven to help manage hyperpigmentation, scars, and post-radiotherapy dermatitis.
Other skin treatments you can try, as per your dermatologist’s advice, are glycolic peels, hydro facials, IPL, and micro-needling. These aesthetic treatments can address common post-cancer treatment skin concerns, such as uneven skin tone, dryness, and redness.
FAQs
How can I soothe irritated or inflamed skin after cancer treatment?
Irritated or inflamed skin is a common side effect of cancer treatment, particularly radiation therapy. The underlying causes can include direct damage from radiation, dryness, and infections.
To soothe irritated skin, avoid irritants like alcohol and fragrance, gently cleanse with a mild cleanser, moisturise regularly, apply cool compresses, avoid scratching, and protect from the sun.
For uncontrollably itchy or inflamed skin, ask our ENRICH dermatologists for recommendations.
What are the best skin care products for post-cancer?
Because the skin of post-cancer individuals is extra sensitive, the best skin care products are gentle, hydrating, and free of harsh chemicals. Consult our dermatologists for personalised recommendations based on your specific needs and treatment history.
How can I protect my skin from the sun after cancer treatment?
To protect your skin, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30) daily, even on cloudy days. When outdoors, cover your skin with loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. Seek shade whenever possible, avoid tanning beds, and have regular skin checks for new or changing moles, spots, or sores.
Can I use anti-aging products after cancer treatment, and if so, which ones are safe?
Yes, you can generally use anti-aging products after cancer treatment. Ask our ENRICH dermatologists for personalised recommendations before starting any new skincare routine.
How can I manage dry or sensitive skin after cancer treatment?
Dry or sensitive skin is a common side effect of cancer treatment. To manage these symptoms, gently cleanse with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, moisturise regularly using a fragrance-free moisturiser, protect your skin from the sun, avoid irritants, and treat infections promptly.
Post-Cancer Skincare at ENRICH
Always consult a health professional before using or trying any of the above methods. Our ENRICH dermatologists provide tailored skin treatment plans. Schedule a consultation with our dermatologists for guidance.
