Skin/Hair/Nail Side Effects
The skin, hair and nails can be affected by cancer and treatment. Side effects include hand foot syndrome, nail and skin changes, hair loss and thinning, pruritus, photosensitivity, hyperpigmentation, delayed wound healing and telangiectasia.
Wigs for Hair Loss (Alopecia)
Information about the types of wigs available, choosing a wig, and caring for your wig and scalp.
Delayed Wound Healing
Delayed wound healing is when it takes longer than normal for a wound to heal.
Hair Loss (Alopecia) From Radiation Therapy
In this article, we will answer questions about and offers tips for coping with hair loss caused by radiation therapy.
Hair Loss (Alopecia) from Chemotherapy
A common side effect of chemotherapy is hair loss (alopecia). This side effect handout answers questions about alopecia and offers tips for coping with hair loss caused by chemotherapy.
Scalp Cooling (Scalp Hypothermia)
Scalp cooling, also called "scalp hypothermia," or "cold caps," are thought to work by constricting the blood vessels that go to your scalp. This lessens how much chemotherapy gets to your scalp and into the hair cells. If the chemotherapy does not get to your scalp and hair cells, you may have less alopecia.
Hand-Foot Syndrome
Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a skin reaction on the palms of the hands and/or the soles of the feet. It can be caused by some chemotherapies. It may also be called acral erythema, palmar plantar erythema (PPE), or Burgdorf reaction. This handout answers questions about and offers tips for managing hand-foot syndrome caused by chemotherapy.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin, hair, nails or mucous membranes.
Nail and Skin Care
Treatment for cancer can affect the nails and skin in some patients. This article offers tips for managing nail and skin changes during chemotherapy.
Photosensitivity
Photosensitivity is when the skin becomes more sensitive and more prone to burns from any type of light.
Pruritus (Itching)
Pruritus is itching. Itching is a side effect of some cancers and of some treatments.
Telangiectasia (Spider Veins)
Telangiectasia is reddish-purple “spider veins” that can be seen on the skin.
Caring for your skin, nails and hair during and after cancer treatment
Two-part, video panel discusses common concerns surrounding skin, nails and hair during and after cancer treatment and provides guidance for coping with these issues. Part 2 demonstrates make-up application and wig tips.