7 ways cancer treatments affect your skin and how to get relief

Having cancer takes a toll on your physical and emotional health. Cancer treatments fight your disease but can also affect other parts of your body. Dermatologists say you can get relief from treatment side effects so your skin, hair, and nails can feel better, sooner, while you fight your cancer.

It’s important to keep treating your cancer, even if you notice a change in your skin. If side effects get worse or bother you, tell your oncologist and dermatologist — they can help create a plan so you feel more comfortable and confident.

Your dermatologist knows how to help your skin feel better during cancer treatment.

Common skin, hair, and nail changes during cancer treatment

Side effects from cancer treatment differ depending on your treatment plan. Although many of these changes are expected and get better after you complete treatment, they can be uncomfortable during an already-stressful time.

When people experience side effects to their skin during cancer treatment, they often say they had one or more of the following:

1. Hair loss. Hair loss is one of the main side effects people think of happening during cancer treatment. Hair loss happens when your treatment attacks the hair cells on your head and body instead of just the cancer cells. Stressful medical and life events, like a cancer diagnosis, can also cause your hair to fall out.
   
   How do I get relief? It can be distressing to lose your hair. You may be able to reduce hair loss by using scalp cooling techniques and cold caps — these may reduce the amount of cancer medicine that reaches your hair cells. Your doctor knows if this is an option for you.
   
   Your hair will start to regrow a few months after you complete your treatment, however, the hair that grows back might not look or feel the same as before your treatment. Your dermatologist may prescribe medicine to help promote hair growth. Minoxidil, an over-the-counter treatment you apply to your scalp, can also help your hair regrow after cancer treatment. The video How to apply scalp medications shows tips for applying minoxidil.

2. Dry skin and itch. Your skin may become very dry and itchy while you treat your cancer. After a few weeks of treatment, you might notice your skin feeling tight and painful, with fine scales and rough areas.
   
   How do I get relief? Use fragrance-free skin care products that say they’re made for sensitive skin to avoid irritating your skin more. Apply moisturizer every day and whenever your skin feels dry, even after you finish your cancer treatment. Make sure to moisturize the area being treated for cancer and your face, hands, feet, lower legs, and neck — these are common itchy spots during cancer treatment.
   
   Dermatologists share more advice at Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin.

3. Rash. One of the most common and uncomfortable skin effects during cancer treatment is a new rash — some people call it “chemo rash.” Your rash might itch, feel painful, or bleed. It might look like an acne outbreak with bumps and blackheads.
   
   How do I get relief? Gently clean and moisturize your rash. For pain relief, apply a cool, damp washcloth to the area. Depending on your rash and cancer treatment, your doctor may also prescribe a corticosteroid you apply to your skin, an antibiotic, or another medicine.
   
   You can care for a lot of rashes at home, however, it’s easy for rashes to get infected. Find out if your rash needs attention from a doctor at Rash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment.

4. Sensitivity to the sun (photosensitivity). Medications that treat cancer can make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays. When that happens, you’re more likely to get a sunburn or rashes after sun exposure.
   
   How do I get relief? You can still enjoy time outdoors during cancer treatment by practicing safe sun. Seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing, and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. Learn the clothes dermatologists recommend wearing for better protection at What to wear to protect your skin from the sun.

   Seek shade outdoors — cancer medications can increase your risk of sunburn.

   

5. Skin discoloration. You may see new dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, on your skin during cancer treatment. Dark spots can be more noticeable and harder to treat for people with darker skin tones.
   
   How do I get relief? Most dark spots fade on their own after you complete your cancer treatment. However, dark spots can be stubborn, especially if they are exposed to the sun. Dermatologists share tips to help even your skin tone at How to fade dark spots in darker skin tones.

6. Nail changes. Cancer treatment can change your nails’ thickness and color or create ridges. Your nails may also feel brittle or loose.
   
   How do I get relief? Taking care of your nails can help them look and feel good while preventing the changes from worsening. Find advice for proper nail care at 11 dermatologists' tips for healthy nails.

7. Hand-foot syndrome. If your hands and feet become swollen, painful, or blister, you might have hand-foot syndrome. Your hands and feet may turn red or violet, depending on your skin tone. It might look like you have sunburn.
   
   How do I get relief? Hand-foot syndrome can be painful. If you notice these symptoms, let your doctor know. Hand-foot syndrome usually improves a few weeks after finishing chemotherapy.

Should I see a dermatologist while treating my cancer?

Cancer treatment can be uncomfortable, and you’re not alone if you experience side effects. A dermatologist can help your skin, hair, and nails feel better while you undergo chemotherapy, radiation, or other cancer treatments and prevent side effects from getting worse.

You can find a board-certified dermatologist in your area at Find a Dermatologist.

Images
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References
Almeida V, Pires D, Silva M, Teixeira M, et al. Dermatological Side Effects of Cancer Treatment: Psychosocial Implications — A Systematic Review of the Literature. Healthcare. 2023; 11(19):2621.

Ladwa R, Fogarty G, Chen P, Grewal G, et al. Management of Skin Toxicities in Cancer Treatment: An Australian/New Zealand Perspective. Cancers. 2024; 16(14):2526.

Mourelle ML, Gómez CP, Legido JL. Cosmeceuticals and Thalassotherapy: Recovering the Skin and Well-Being after Cancer Therapies. Applied Sciences. 2023; 13(2):850.

Written by:
Brooke Schleehauf

Reviewed by:
Jean Bolognia, MD, FAAD
Brittany Oliver, MD, FAAD

Last updated: 5/20/25