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Dry skin: keeping moisture in

Chemotherapy, some targeted medicines, radiotherapy and dry air can dry out the skin. Dry skin itches and cracks, and cracks can become a doorway for germs.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A person applying a thick hand cream
Figure 1.A thick cream locks in moisture

01Short answer

Take short, warm showers; hot water dries the skin further. Within a few minutes after showering, while the skin is still slightly damp, apply a fragrance-free cream or ointment; do this twice a day and as needed. Thick creams and ointments hold moisture better than lotions. Use a fragrance-free lip balm. Do not let room air get too dry (“Temperature and humidity: not too dry, not too damp”). Wear cotton (“Fabrics and skin: choosing for sensitive skin”). Avoid alcohol-based lotions, scented products and scrubs. Drink enough fluids unless your team has limited them. Tell your team about cracks, bleeding areas, or red or inflamed skin.

02Simple explanation

Short, warm showers.

After showering: cream.

Thick creams, ointments.

Cracks, redness: tell us.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: for dry, itchy skin, warm showers, fragrance-free moisturisers and avoiding alcohol-based products 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?

Cracks

Cracks on the hands and feet can be a way in for infection.

Hand-foot syndrome

Some medicines cause redness and pain on the palms and soles; tell your team.

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
CracksCracks on the hands and feet can be a way in for infection.
Hand-foot syndromeSome medicines cause redness and pain on the palms and soles; tell your team.
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

Emollient
A product that softens skin and holds in moisture.
Hand-foot syndrome
A medicine reaction on the palms and soles.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Short shower.
  • Cream.
  • Tell us.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Is petroleum jelly all right?

Yes, it usually holds moisture well; ask about radiotherapy areas.

Oils (olive and so on)?

Fragrance-free creams are more reliable; ask.

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. Is petroleum jelly all right?

  2. Oils (olive and so on)?

  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. Macmillan Cancer Support. Infection
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Depression (PDQ) – Patient Version
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Taking Time: Support for People With Cancer
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Psychological Stress and Cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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