Many patients experience skin changes while receiving chemotherapy. These changes can be local or generalized. Examples of local changes are darkening of your skin, nail beds, and veins in which you have received chemotherapy. After your treatments are completed, these changes usually fade, although not always completely. General skin changes include dryness, itchiness, cracking, and sensitivity to light. Some chemotherapy may cause nail changes as well.
Self-Care Measures:
- Apply body lotion and hand creams, especially while skin is still moist.
- Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more.
- Wear broad-brimmed hats.
- Wear long-sleeved clothes.
- Wear light-colored clothes; these are more likely to reflect the sun.
Things to Avoid:
- Long hot baths.
- Exposure to direct sunlight.
