Skin conditions related to cancer treatment: symptoms, causes and treatment
A key cancer treatment today is the blockade of certain cell receptors to inhibit neoplastic cell function. As the name suggests, targeted therapy blocks specific receptors, unlike chemotherapy, which affects all cells. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is expressed on the cell surface. When it binds to extracellular proteins, EGFR stimulates the activity of intracellular protein tyrosine kinase (TK). In turn, it stimulates other cellular activities, including migration, adhesion and proliferation. Therefore, blocking the EGFR receptor and/or activating TK also prevents migration, adhesion and proliferation of cancer cells and tumours.
Blocking the EGFR receptor, for example, not only affects cancer cells, but can also affect healthy cells, including skin cells. EGFR is in fact essential for the maintenance of the skin barrier and the regeneration of epidermal cells. When its activity is inhibited, dermatological side effects such as:
- Skin dryness: the skin may lose moisture and become more fragile.
- Erythema: diffuse redness caused by local inflammation.
- Skin rashes: acne-like eruptions, occurring mainly on the face, neck and scalp.
- Alterations in the skin barrier: which can make the skin more vulnerable to infection and irritation.
These effects can compromise the patient’s quality of life, necessitating an integrated approach involving not only oncological treatment, but also careful management of skin health. Specific products, formulated to soothe, moisturise and repair the skin, can help reduce discomfort and prevent complications.
Coping with cancer therapies means taking care of the entire body, including the skin, to ensure maximum comfort and support general wellbeing during the course of treatment.
DERMATITIS FOLLOWING CHEMOTHERAPY (CHEMO RASH)
Chemotherapy works by blocking cell growth and the synthesis of many proteins, and can cause dermatitis among those undergoing this cancer treatment.
REACTIONS TO TARGETED (BIOLOGICAL) THERAPY
A common reaction to targeted therapy is the appearance of inflammatory papules or pustules at hair follicles, especially in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as on the face and upper trunk. Papulopustular outbreaks or follicular rashes in response to treatment are ranked into four grades according to their intensity, which can vary.
RADIATION DERMATITIS
Radiation dermatitis, or radiation burn, appears in the targeted area during external beam radiation cancer treatment.
THE EYELIDS, BROW AND TARGETED (BIOLOGICAL) THERAPY
Papulo-pustular reaction is the most frequent event during treatment with EGFR inhibitors. It is manifested by the appearance of inflammatory papules or pustules at the level of hair follicles. This occurs especially in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face and upper torso. This papulopustular reaction also commonly appears on the eyelids and the brow.
WOUNDS
During cancer treatment, the skin often becomes less elastic, more sensitive and more prone to tears or wounds. Wounds are lesions of the stratum corneum. They are differentiated into superficial wounds (abrasions and grazes) and deeper wounds (e.g. cuts). Bleeding may accompany wounds depending on their severity.
RHAGADES AND FISSURES ON THE FINGERS
Rhagades and fissures are thin, elongated cuts that form on the fingers. They are usually shallow and form on the stratum corneum, but can be deeper.