Your skin is an important organ which works hard to protect you from the elements, diseases and infections. Therefore it’s important that we take measures to look after it.
Immunotherapy treatments can cause inflammation throughout the body. For example, patients may experience skin inflammation as pigment changes, a rash and/or itchy skin.
What is a rash?
A rash is an area of irritated skin. It can be a side effect of some cancer treatments, such as immunotherapy. There can be many different symptoms of a rash, including red raised areas, red spots, and/or itching.
Rashes tend to be mild to moderate. However, some people have severe rashes that cause major discomfort and changes to their appearance.
What should I do if I get a rash?
If you get a rash during immunotherapy treatment, you should avoid scratching it and seek advice via The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Hotline for assessment, as intervention may be required. This information can help your healthcare team make
treatment decisions about your rash.
For a mild rash we may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription-strength corticosteroid cream that you rub into the skin to reduce inflammation. If the rash is moderate or severe and covers a large part of the body, it may be treated with a corticosteroid to take by mouth, such as prednisolone. Antihistamine tablets can help with itching.
Your immunotherapy treatment may be stopped for a short time or adjusted to a lower dose.
If these steps don’t work, your doctor may recommend that you see a dermatologist – a doctor who specializes in skin conditions.
- Eat a well-balanced diet. Aim for a good mix of foods rich in vitamins and minerals, combined with a protein, carbohydrates and a small amount of fat.
- Ensure you have an adequate fluid intake and avoid excessive alcohol intake.
- Ensure adequate sun protection. Wear a sun hat and sunglasses in hot weather and cover up. Apply sun cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF) and apply regularly throughout the day. Wear loose cotton clothing.
- Reduce or stop smoking, as smoking can cause damage to
healthy tissue. There are many resources are available to help
you to stop smoking. - Consider factors that may cause dry skin – reduce frequency of bathing and use lukewarm water to avoid exposing your skin to direct heat.
- Wash your skin and use a moisturiser. Avoid excessive scrubbing which may irritate your skin. Excessive washing strips the skin of essential oils which then dries it out.
- Bath oil and non-perfume emollients should be used as substitutes to standard soaps.
- Ensure non-perfumed moisturiser or emollients are used (e.g. cetraben / E45) to keep skin well hydrated. Apply an emollient liberally and often, particularly shortly after bathing and if skin is
itchy. The drier the skin, the thicker this should be, especially on the hands. - Over the counter antihistamines can be used to manage a mild skin itch.