Some oncology treatments may cause increased dryness, radiodermatitis (lesions caused by radiation therapy), hand-foot syndrome (an inflammatory affliction that weakens blood vessels in the extremities) or folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles). These skin side effects may be a source of irritation or embarrassment; they could even alter your self-perception.

The good news is that these cutaneous side effects are usually temporary, and using a combination of suitable dermocosmetic products is an effective solution for soothing skin weakened by oncology treatments.

The key: As soon as cancer treatments begin, start using makeup removers and face cleansers that respect the skin’s pH, as well as creams, balms and hypoallergenic sun protection. In addition to using a scent-free laundry detergent suitable for sensitive skin, avoid shaving, using deodorants, perfumes, alcohol-based lotions, and chlorinated water.

Some oncology treatments weaken your skin’s natural defences, so make sure you hydrate your skin every day, as proper hydration helps reinforce the skin barrier and keep your skin soft while preventing discomfort itchiness and lesions on the hands and feet. Choose scent-free shea butter- or ceramide-based balms and creams, as they have a rich texture and resemble the skin’s natural lipids.

During the entirety of your oncology treatments and up to one year after they end, your weakened skin is particularly sensitive to the sun. This is especially true for skin undergoing radiation therapy and for post-surgery scars.

Good habits to get into: Protect your skin and afflicted areas with a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection with an SPF of over 50. Also look for a product with a logo that has the letters “UVA” in a circle, which guarantees its UVA protection of one third the UVB SPF. Apply it after your hydrating cream, paying special attention to sensitive areas (nose, lips, ears, nape, neck, chest, hands, feet and scalp, if you’ve lost your hair). In some cases, a hat or clothing may be necessary to better protect you from the sun.

Refrain from spending time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is at its most harmful, keeping in mind that UVA rays are damaging even during cloudy weather or when you’re behind a window. Lastly, reapply your sun protection every two hours, after being in the water for more than 80 minutes or after abundant sweating.

Make sure you start using ultra-gentle personal-hygiene and care products, such as skin creams, balms and cleansing oils, as well as repairing balm for the driest areas.

Daily use of dermocosmetic products suitable for sensitive skin will help hydrate your skin and reinforce its barrier function while soothing itchiness. Refrain from scratching to avoid aggravating the problem. Otherwise, you will cause irritation and rashes, creating a cycle of itchiness and scratching and increasing the risk of infection. To help you hold back, keep your nails short. Additionally, stick to natural ingredients that are gentle on skin. Finally, avoid wearing overly tight clothing, which could increase rubbing against your irritated skin.

Linked to inflammation or infection of the hair follicle, folliculitis is identified by the appearance of tiny red nodules where hair grows. Although it resembles acne, this skin affliction requires particular care.

Here’s the proper method for treating it: in the morning and evening, clean your skin with a soap-free cleanser and rinse it off with warm water. Every evening, after moisturizing your skin with a hydrating, non-comedogenic cream, apply a hydrating balm on the pustule.

Avoid exfoliation, peels and dermabrasion, anti-acne products (which aren’t suitable for this type of condition), aftershave lotion and products containing essential oils, scents, clay, fruit acids or alcohol.

During your cancer treatments and for one year after they end, protect your skin from the sun using a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection with an SPF of over 50. Remember that clothing is the best shield against the sun’s harmful rays.

Some medication, chemotherapy and targeted oncology therapies can cause acute dryness, redness and swelling in the extremities, as well as aches. This affliction is known as hand-foot syndrome. To limit chapping, cracking and discomfort, ask a member of the nursing staff to get you frozen gloves, whose vasoconstrictor properties alleviate pain and swelling. We recommend you consult a podiatrist before beginning treatments and one month after.

As for skin care during cancer treatments, generously applying a moisturizing emollient cream or balm promotes hydration and blood circulation. Apply a hydrating balm on particularly dry zones. For even more hydration, put on gloves or socks after applying your skincare products.

Keep your nails short, put on gloves to do manual work or household chores and wear comfortable leather shoes. Avoid synthetic materials and high heels to better protect your feet.
Also avoid standing for long periods of time, walking for long distances and taking overly hot baths or showers. If your hand-foot syndrome is accompanied by hyperkeratosis (a thickening of the stratum corneum), ask a member of your care team to recommend a hydrating cream or balm.

Radiation therapy destroys cancer cells and slows their multiplication; however, it also causes cutaneous side effects (redness, tingling, itching or hyperpigmentation).

Before each session, ensure your skin is clean and dry. To eliminate any risk of a bolus effect (an artificial increase in radiation), refrain from applying any moisturizer on the skin within the six hours before your treatment.

After each session, spray the red or hot skin with thermal spring water. In the evening, or at least three hours after your treatment, coat the irradiated region with a generous layer of repairing cream; chill this cream in the refrigerator beforehand for an enhanced feeling of freshness. Avoid chlorinated and salt water, deodorants, perfumes and alcohol-based lotions. Finally, take warm showers using soap-free cleansers and avoid exposing yourself to the sun.

Several invasive procedures, such as surgery, can cause scars, which must be cared for without delay. Generally, surgeons and physiotherapists recommend carefully cleaning the wound or scarred region with a gel or soap-free cleanser.

Because many different types of scars exist, it is strongly recommended you seek the advice of a healthcare professional before massaging the scarred area, as you could worsen it. If you get the green light to do so, and as soon as the stitches are removed and the wound is no longer seeping, gently massage it using a hydrating cream or balm twice a day. If you’ve undergone a mastectomy, try to slowly raise your arm to have better access to the affected region, or pull your shoulders backward, bringing your shoulder blades together; this will make self-massaging easier.

Good to know: The scarring process can take 12 to 18 months to complete.