Mario Lacouture, a dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering, says that cancer treatments can cause a variety of skin problems such as rashes, infections, discoloration, and scars. Topical corticosteroids are often used to reduce inflammation and itching, whereas antibiotics, antiviral medications, and antifungal medications are used to treat infections. Discoloration can be treated with topical medications, bleaching creams, or laser therapy, and cosmetics may help to camouflage discoloration. A few months after surgery, scars can be treated with silicone sheets and gels, injectable fillers, laser therapy, or plastic surgery.
Dr. Lacouture emphasizes the importance of treating skin problems as soon as they appear in order to prevent them from becoming persistent and interfering with cancer treatment.
