Side Effect: Dry Skin

Dry skin, also known as xerosis, is a common skin condition that occurs when the skin loses moisture and becomes dehydrated. Sometimes this is because the skin has been damaged and is not able to retain moisture.

Dry skin can cause a variety of symptoms, including itching, flakiness, redness, cracking, pain, and roughness.

Dry skin can affect anyone, but some people are more likely to have it than others. Factors that can contribute to dry skin include aging, genetics, low humidity, cold weather, hot showers or baths, harsh soaps or detergents, poor nutrition, dehydration, and certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, and eczema.

Certain cancer treatments can also cause dry skin, these include:

• Hormonal therapy (anastrazole (Arimidex®), exemestane (Aromasin®), fulvestrant (Faslodex®), letrozole (Femara®), tamoxifen (Nolvadex®), etc.)
• Multikinase inhibitors (sorafenib (Nexavar®), sunitinib (Sutent®), regorafenib (Stivarga®), etc.)
• BRAF inhibitors (dabrafenib (Tafinlar®), vemurafenib (Zelboraf®), encorafenib (Braftovi®))
• EGFR inhibitors (osimertinib (Tagrisso®), erlotinib (Tarceva®), cetuximab (Ertitux®), panitumumab (Vectibix®), etc.)
• MEK inhibitors (trametinib (Mekinist®), binimetinib (Mektovi®), cobimetinib (Cotellic®))
• Immunotherapy (pembrolizumab (Keytruda®), ipilimumab (Yervoy®), nivolumab (Opdivo®), etc.)
• Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant)
• Radiation

A few effective measures to help prevent dry skin include:

• Use moisturizing creams or lotions to rehydrate the skin.
• Moisturizers, cologne, lotion, after-shave creams, and body sprays should be alcohol-free because alcohol can dry and irritate the skin.
• Use sun protection (sunscreen) when outside.
• Avoid dry heat in the summer and wear gloves in cold weather.
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated.
• Avoid or limit alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
• When bathing, avoid harsh soaps, hot water, and scrubbing the skin. Gently pat skin dry to avoid excessive irritation.
• Avoid wearing clothing with synthetic fibers because these can be irritating to the skin, instead wear clothing made of cotton when possible.
• Use an electric razor when shaving to avoid excess irritation on the skin.
• Wash clothes in mild, hypoallergenic detergent.

It is important to discuss any potential side effects of cancer treatments with a healthcare provider, as they may be able to recommend strategies for minimizing dry skin.

Treating dry skin in cancer patients typically involves using topical moisturizers which can help restore hydration to the skin and reduce itching and irritation. In some cases, prescription-strength moisturizers or other medications may be necessary to manage severe dry skin.
It is important for patients with cancer to discuss any skin concerns with their healthcare provider, as they can provide individualized recommendations based on the person’s specific needs and medical history.