Advice cards

The skin is very often affected by the undesirable effects of cancer treatments: increased sensitivity, intense dryness, itching, inflammation, pimples... are among the effects frequently observed. There are simple solutions to soothe and care for the skin during these treatments.

Actinic keratosis is a lesion that forms on skin damaged by repeated unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays or the artificial UV rays of tanning booths. It generally appears as a small patch of dry, crusty skin, rough to the touch, on the areas most exposed to the sun: face, scalp for bald people, and back of hands. Their color can vary from red to brown, white or pink. These lesions represent a risk factor for the development of skin cancer, and require regular dermatological treatment and specific care.

Radiodermatitis is a frequent side effect of radiotherapy in cancer patients. It is similar to a skin burn, like sunburn, and corresponds to an inflammatory reaction of the skin. Its appearance depends on the irradiation technique used, the dose of radiation received and the area treated. The peak of the cutaneous reaction may occur between 7 and 10 days after the end of the radiotherapy sessions, and may last for several months. Specific treatments for sensitive and irritated skin can help prevent radiodermatitis, limit its severity and relieve it when it does occur.