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Skin care: the skin is the first line of defence

Healthy skin is a barrier against germs. During treatment skin can become dry, red, rashy, sun-sensitive and easily damaged. Caring for it is part of preventing infection.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Hands with moisturising cream being rubbed in
Figure 1.The skin is the first line of defence

01Short answer

Daily: a warm shower, mild soap, patting dry, then a fragrance-free moisturiser (“Dry skin: keeping moisture in”). Do not scratch; for itching use a cool compress and talk to your team. In the sun wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves and the sunscreen your team recommends, since some medicines cause photosensitivity. Use an electric razor for shaving (“Low platelets: care in everyday life”). Check your skin daily for redness, a hot area, swelling, pus, sores, rash, new bruises or petechiae, and tell your team. Ask your team before using a new cream or cosmetic, especially on a radiotherapy area.

02Simple explanation

Skin is a barrier.

Fragrance-free moisturiser.

Protect from the sun.

Changes: tell us.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: treatment can cause dry skin, itching, rash and sun sensitivity; gentle care and sun protection are recommended.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Signs of infection

During neutropenia redness and pus may be faint, so notice small changes too.

Bruising

Unexplained bruises and pinpoint bleeding may mean platelets are low (“Bruises and petechiae: what you may see on your skin”).

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Signs of infectionDuring neutropenia redness and pus may be faint, so notice small changes too.
BruisingUnexplained bruises and pinpoint bleeding may mean platelets are low (“Bruises and petechiae: what you may see on your skin”).
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Photosensitivity
Skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Petechiae
Tiny red dots on the skin.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Moisturise.
  • Protect.
  • Check.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I wear cosmetics?

Mild, fragrance-free and your own; ask about new products.

Tattoos and piercings?

Not during treatment.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I wear cosmetics?

  2. Tattoos and piercings?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Skin and Nail Changes during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  5. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Costs and Medical Information
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer
  8. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Central venous catheters - ports
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). When Your Parent Has Cancer: A Guide for Teens
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Caring for the Caregiver
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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