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does chemo cause skin discoloration

by Anahi Schoen Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Some types of chemotherapy can cause your skin to become dry, itchy, red or darker, or peel. You may develop a minor rash or sunburn easily; this is called photosensitivity. Some people also have skin pigmentation changes. Your nails may be dark and cracked, and your cuticles may hurt.Jun 14, 2019

Does chemo cause skin discoloration?

Skin discoloration is a common skin change during chemo treatment. Discoloration often presents as dark spots, and is more common in people who have darker skin tones. Discoloration may present as hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or hypopigmentation (lighter patches), depending on the individual, and the chemo drug being used.

How to keep skin healthy during chemotherapy?

WHAT TO DO:

  • Have healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids to help keep your body well hydrated and your skin moist and healthy. ...
  • Keep your home cool and humid. ...
  • Use sunscreen or protective clothing when out in the sun, even on cloudy days.
  • Wear cotton clothes where possible next to the skin. ...
  • Become a moisturizer enthusiast. ...

More items...

Can skin brighteners reduce or eliminate skin discoloration?

The main components of Revitol skin brightening cream include: Allantoin. A non-toxic plant extract, allantoin works like other skin moisturizers and lighteners, fixing skin discoloration by attacking fungal microbes and bacteria. Shea butter.

Can chemotherapy Burn Your Skin?

This is called a moist reaction. Some types of chemotherapy can cause your skin to become dry, itchy, red or darker, or peel. You may develop a minor rash or sunburn easily; this is called photosensitivity. Some people also have skin pigmentation changes. Your nails may be dark and cracked, and your cuticles may hurt.

How to help with discoloration during chemotherapy?

What are the reactions to chemo?

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Does cancer cause skin discoloration?

In cancer patients, changes in the skin color can be due to the side effects of cancer treatment , tumor growth, or sun exposure. Some color changes may improve over time, while others may be long lasting.

Why do people look different after chemo?

Certain chemotherapy drugs can cause temporary redness in the face and neck. This happens when the blood capillaries, which are the smallest part of blood vessels, enlarge and expand. The skin also can get dry, become darker or even more pale. Your nails also may become more dry and brittle during treatment.

How can I prevent dark skin during chemo?

Protect your skin from the sun when UV levels are 3 or above. Wear high-protection sunscreen (SPF 50+), a broad-brimmed hat, protective clothing and sunglasses, and try to stay in the shade. This advice applies to everyone, but is especially important for people having chemotherapy.

Which chemo drugs cause hyperpigmentation?

Which agents induce skin pigmentation changes? Cancer chemotherapy drugs that cause hyperpigmentation include bleomycin, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide and carmustine. Bleomycin treats cancers such as Hodgkin lymphoma and is thought to cause hyperpigmentation in around a fifth of patients.

Does chemo change your appearance?

Cancer and cancer treatment can cause changes in your skin and hair that affect how you look. People with cancer might have to deal with scars or changes in skin color as well as hair loss and changes in hair texture.

How long does chemo stay in your body?

It generally takes about 48 to 72 hours for your body to break down and/or get rid of most chemo drugs. But it's important to know that each chemo drug is excreted or passed through the body a bit differently.

Does skin go back to normal after chemo?

Typically, changes to your skin related to chemotherapy and immunotherapy aren't permanent. When you stop treatment, we'll see your skin return to its previous state. Also, these changes aren't necessarily negative. Research has shown that certain rashes correlate with having a better tumor response to the treatment.

What is the best skin care for chemo patients?

Cancer treatment can cause multiple skin changes....Skin care tips for chemotherapymoisturizing the skin with alcohol-free creams twice per day.using mineral or baby oil.shaving with an electric razor.applying sunscreen and wearing sun-protective clothing, according to the AAD.

What does it mean when your skin turns darker?

If your body makes too much melanin, your skin gets darker. Pregnancy, Addison's disease, and sun exposure all can make your skin darker. If your body makes too little melanin, your skin gets lighter.

Does chemo age your face?

So, it is not surprising that many people feel that they age dramatically during chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, the epidermis loses its ability to hold on to moisture, which leads to fine lines in the skin's surface. In the dermis, the collagen and elastin break down, which weakens the skin's support structure.

Can chemo cause long term skin problems?

Some cancer treatments can cause skin problems, for example, red or itchy skin. Most skin problems go away once cancer treatment finishes, but you may need to manage them during treatment. Some skin problems need to be treated right away so that they don't become serious or cause permanent damage.

How long does sun sensitivity last after chemo?

Sun sensitivity can last a month or two after completing chemotherapy. If you have had any type of cancer, practice precaution when you're out in the sun this summer.

Does chemo age your face?

So, it is not surprising that many people feel that they age dramatically during chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, the epidermis loses its ability to hold on to moisture, which leads to fine lines in the skin's surface. In the dermis, the collagen and elastin break down, which weakens the skin's support structure.

Does your body return to normal after chemo?

There is no "normal" pattern. For some, fatigue gets better over time. Others, such as those who have had bone marrow transplants, may have less energy for years after their final treatment. Some people feel very frustrated when fatigue lasts longer than they think it should and gets in the way of their normal routine.

Does chemo cause puffy face?

Fluid retention is a build-up of fluid caused by the side effects of chemotherapy, hormone changes caused by treatment, or your cancer. It can cause your face, hands, feet, or stomach to feel swollen and puffy.

Does chemo make you age faster?

The researchers noted that the illness and accelerated aging are a direct consequence of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Key findings from the study included: Hematopoietic cell transplant recipients are eight times more likely to become frail than their healthy siblings.

skin discoloration during chemo — Cancer Survivors Network

Gosh I really have no idea. George did not have any skin color change during chemo but he is white. You could sent luv3jay and Eltina21 a personal message and perhaps they can be of more assistance.

TONGUE, HANDS AND PALM OF THE FOOT TURNING BLACK

Since my mom has just started her chemo (on her 2nd cycle), we are noticing that her tongue has this black patches, and her hand cuticles and foot are turning black.

Skin changes after chemotherapy: Causes, treatment, and more

Chemotherapy can cause hand-foot syndrome, or palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia. This is a type of rash. Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Symptoms include:

Cancer treatment side effect: skin changes

Skin changes are a common side effect of cancer treatment. Here's what you need to know about these skin changes and what you can do to cope with them.

How long does it take for a rash to appear after chemo?

Rash. The American Cancer Society notes that skin rashes are a common side effect of chemotherapy. They will normally appear within a few weeks of beginning treatment. The rashes can appear on the: scalp. face.

What happens if chemo drips?

If chemotherapy drugs leak during a drip, they can enter the skin and tissue.

How to prevent rashes from sun?

protect the area of skin from cold and heat. apply medications that a healthcare professional prescribes. avoid the sun if possible. protect the skin from the sun using sunscreen with an SPF of 30. DermNet notes that some rashes may require oral and topical antibiotics as they have an anti-inflammatory effect.

What happens after a cancer treatment?

Some of these changes can include rash, light sensitivity, dry and itchy skin, color changes, and mouth sores. Cancer Research UK, a charity based in the United Kingdom, notes that for most people, these changes in the skin will resolve after treatment has finished.

How to treat a swollen face?

A healthcare professional may recommend lotions, moisturizers, and mild soaps. A person should: wash the skin gently with warm water and a gentle soap. rinse the area and pat dry. use moisturizers. protect the area of skin from cold and heat. apply medications that a healthcare professional prescribes.

What happens to black skin?

In those with Black skin, the skin can become darker in color and thicken.

How long does it take for a chemo rash to go away?

Symptoms may persist with repeated treatment, but may disappear over 14–28 days after stopping chemotherapy. Home remedies include: applying ice packs wrapped in a towel to the affected area. elevating the hands and feet. patting the skin dry, as rubbing can irritate the skin. using moisturizers.

How long does it take for a skin reaction to resolve after chemo?

Most skin reactions occur within two to three weeks of initiation of chemotherapy and resolve 10 to 12 weeks after stopping treatment. Hyperpigmentation most commonly accompanies use of alkylating agents and antitumor antibodies.

Which drugs are associated with photosensitivity?

Drugs associated with these photosensitivity reactions are dacarbazine, fluorouracil, methotrexate and vinblastine. Photoallergic reactions are less common than phototoxic reactions. A photoallergic reaction is similar to a phototoxic reaction but the reaction may spread beyond areas exposed to light.

How long does it take for a penicillin reaction to go away?

For example, with a hypersensitivity reaction to penicillin, the skin condition may worsen for seven to ten days after the drug has been stopped.

What is dry skin?

Dry skin is characterized by mild scaling, roughness, feeling of tightness, and possibly itching. With dry skin reactions, the skin cells at the lower layer of the epidermis (top layer of skin) are dry and flat, with no moisture. Factors that contribute to dry skin reactions include: Dehydration. Extreme weather conditions.

When do toxic reactions resolve?

Toxic reactions, in contrast, are dose-dependent and skin reactions generally resolve fairly soon after the drug causing the reaction is stopped.

Does methotrexate cause hair color?

Methotrexate may produce a characteristic "flag sign" on the hair - horizontal hyperpigmented bands alternating with normal hair color in light-haired individuals.

Can a drug cause a rash?

All drugs may induce skin reactions, although if they do occur they are usually mild, however, some skin reactions are serious and potentially life-threatening. Because of this, all drug-associated rashes should be reported to your health care professional for evaluation.

How does skin cancer affect the skin?

Skin cancer may occur when the genetic material in skin cells becomes damaged, often from long-term sun damage or exposure to chemicals. The damage may cause the cells to grow out of control and form a mass of cancer cells.

How to get rid of discoloration on face?

Over-the-counter creams: Vitamin A cream or vitamin E cream can help reduce the appearance of skin discoloration and boost overall skin health. Lemon juice: Apply lemon juice twice per day to lighten skin areas that have darkened. This may reduce the appearance of discolored skin patches in six to eight weeks.

Why is my tan red?

Certain medications can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun so that it’s more likely to turn red.

Why does my skin change color?

Some of the more common causes for changes in skin color are illness, injury, and inflammatory problems. Discolored skin patches also commonly develop in a certain part of the body due to a difference in melanin levels. Melanin is the substance that provides color to the skin and protects it from the sun. When there is an overproduction of melanin ...

Why is my skin red and white?

Various infections can cause localized changes in skin color. Cuts and scrapes may become infected when bacteria enter the wound, resulting in a skin infection. This leads to changes in the texture of the skin and turns the surrounding skin red or white. Fungal infections, such as ringworm, tinea versicolor, and candida can also trigger discolored skin patches on various parts of the body.

What causes red bumps on the body?

These reactions can range from red rashes and blisters to skin lightening or darkening. Allergic reactions to foods, plants, or irritants can also result in discolored skin patches in various areas of the body. These changes may appear as rashes or raised bumps that itch or burn.

What is the color of actinic kera?

Thick, scaly, or crusty skin patch. Appears on parts of the body that receive a lot of sun exposure (hands, arms, face, scalp, and neck) Usually pink in color but can have a brown, tan, or gray base. Read full article on actinic keratosis.

Why does my skin change color?

Psoriasis. Skin Cancer. A person's skin color can change throughout their life for a variety of reasons. Certain health conditions can cause changes to a person's skin color such as hypopigmentation, which is the whitening or lightening of the skin, or hyperpigmentation, the darkening of the skin. Skin discoloration can affect large ...

Why do people remove sun spots?

Sunspots don't need to be treated, but many people opt to remove them because they don’t like the way they look on their skin.

What color are birthmarks?

Birthmarks can be of many different colors, from tan to brown, gray to black, or even blue. They can also come in different shapes, sizes, and consistencies, depending on the type of birthmarks. For example, a strawberry hemangioma birthmark usually looks like a strawberry-colored lump that feels firm and rubbery while a deep hemangioma birthmark looks like a lump that sits deep in the skin. 6 

How to treat tinea versicolor?

The first-line treatment for tinea versicolor is over-the-counter antifungal medications. This can be in the form of soap, shampoo, or creams. In more severe cases, treatment may include prescription antifungal medications. 17 The skin may stay lighter (or darker) for weeks or months, but it will eventually return to its normal color. You should protect your skin from the sun and not tan while recovering from this condition.

What is the condition where you get white patches on your face?

Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition that presents with pale white patches on various areas of the skin. The most commonly affected areas are the face, neck, hands, and creases of the skin. The condition occurs when melanin cells die or stop functioning.

How do you know if you have a sunburn?

Typical signs of sunburn include: Red skin that is warm and tender to touch. Skin that peels off days after the initial sunburn. In more serious cases, blisters can develop in the affected areas. In the most severe cases, sunburns can be accompanied by sun poisoning which leads to fever, chills, nausea, and a rash.

How to manage skin conditions?

At-home management is a viable treatment option for many skin conditions, and you can usually keep your disease under control by keeping up with certain medication or cream regimens. In the event that your skin condition worsens or you start to notice changes, such as new growths, bleeding, or signs of infection, you should call your healthcare provider right away. A chronic skin condition can be distressing, but with the right tools and tips, you can minimize the impact it has on your appearance and quality of life.

How to help with discoloration during chemotherapy?

To help with these skin reactions during chemotherapy, many patients look toward different means of oncology skin care. There are a number of recommendations to help minimize discoloration, and to help increase aesthetics for cancer patients. First, your oncologist may be able to recommend some specialized creams that can help reduce discoloration ...

What are the reactions to chemo?

These skin reactions may manifest as dark spots or discoloration. Skin Reactions. Skin discoloration is a common skin change during chemo treatment. Discoloration often presents as dark spots, and is more common in people who have darker skin tones.

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1.Skin Color Changes from Chemo | OTI Blog - Oncology …

Url:https://oti-oncologytraining.com/2019/10/24/can-chemo-cause-dark-spots-or-discoloration-on-the-skin/

6 hours ago  · Chemotherapy drugs that can cause skin discoloration include: bleomycin (Blenoxane) cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) 5-fluorouracil (Adrucil) Idarubicin (Idamycin) …

2.Skin changes after chemotherapy: Causes, treatment, …

Url:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/skin-changes-after-chemotherapy

27 hours ago Skin discoloration is a common skin change during chemo treatment. Discoloration often presents as dark spots, and is more common in people who have darker skin tones. …

3.skin discoloration during chemo — Cancer Survivors …

Url:https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/196643/skin-discoloration-during-chemo

31 hours ago Skin changes also occur during chemotherapy. Certain chemotherapy drugs can cause temporary redness in the face and neck. This happens when the blood capillaries, which are the smallest …

4.Skin Reactions - Managing Side Effects - Chemocare

Url:https://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/skin-reactions.aspx

9 hours ago My skin darkened I don't remember when I noticed it, I noticed darkening of the skin, mostly hands and feet, some of which remains 2+ years after stopping chemo. I understand that this is pretty …

5.Changes in Skin Color | Skin Problems | American Cancer …

Url:https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/hair-skin-nails/skin-color-changes.html

29 hours ago The cause of these skin reactions is currently unknown, but may involve direct toxicity, stimulation of melanocytes (cells in skin responsible for skin color), and postinflammatory changes. …

6.Skin Discoloration: Causes, Pictures, and Treatment

Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/discolored-skin-patches

4 hours ago Can chemo cause skin discoloration? Skinchanges are common after receiving chemotherapy. They may include rashes, mouth sores, skin discoloration, itchy skin, and photosensitivity. How …

7.Skin Discoloration: Causes and Treatments - Verywell …

Url:https://www.verywellhealth.com/skin-discoloration-5097074

7 hours ago Bruises or areas of blue or purple skin that have no known cause; Very pale or blue-tinged skin, lips, or nail beds. Often with trouble breathing. Redness or rash on skin; Swelling in an area …

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