Effects of Certain Chemotherapy Drugs on Cancer
Studies show that people who take certain drugs are more likely to experience mail changes during cancer treatment. These drugs include:
- Anthracyclines (Daunorubicin, Doxorubicin, Epirubicin, Idarubicin, Mitoxantrone, Valrubicin)
- Chemotherapy drugs that contain taxanes (Docefrez, Taxol, Onxal, Oraxol, Taxotere)
- 5-fluorouracil (Tolak)
How to Prevent Mild Nail and Skin Changes during Cancer Treatment
It is important to speak with your healthcare provider if you experience certain changes during cancer treatment. Your healthcare provider may advise you to take certain steps based on the type of treatment you’re receiving. These steps include:
- Use only recommended skin products: Your doctor will recommend mild soaps that are gentle on your skin to prevent dryness. Your doctor may also recommend skincare products, such as anti-perspirant or powder to prevent dryness in areas exposed to radiation.
- Prevent infection: During radiation therapy, your skin may start to peel, get wet, and painful. This usually occurs in areas with folds, like your bottom, breast, or ears. It is important to keep these areas clean and dry to prevent infection. Talk to your healthcare provider to recommend special antibiotics.
- Moisturize your skin: Your doctor may recommend lotions or creams to prevent your skin from getting itchy or dry. Your skin may get infected if it is not moisturized properly. Ask your doctor to recommend special ointment or cream to prevent dryness and infection.
- Protect your skin: Protect your skin from sun rays by using sunscreen and sun-protective lip balm. You can wear a loose-fitting king-sleeved shirt and a hat to shield yourself from harsh weather. Avoid using bandages, ice packs, or heating pads on the skin getting exposed to radiation during cancer treatment.
Conclusion
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, target therapy, and stem cell transplant can affect your nails and skin. They can also lead to different types of infection. The severity of infection usually depends on the type of treatment. It is important to speak with your healthcare provider if you start experiencing any changes in your nails and skin during treatment.
Reference:
[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stem-cell-transplant/
[2] https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/immunotherapy.html
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/keratin
[4] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/chemotherapy
[5] https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/the-truth-about-nutrient-deficiencies
[6] https://patient.info/infections/fungal-infections/antifungal-medicines