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Skin Toxicities from Anticancer Therapies

Cancer treatments can be lifesaving. But they may also cause side effects in the skin, such as rashes, itchy skin, hair loss, or other symptoms, known as skin toxicity. Our dermatologists partner with our cancer specialists to manage these treatment side effects.
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Expert care for treatment-induced skin reactions

Skin toxicities are a common side effect of many cancer treatments. These side effects occur most often during treatment but can occur months later. In addition, rare but life-threatening allergic reactions to therapies may occur in the skin, such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, which presents with painful blisters and skin peeling.

Our specialized dermatologists and cancer doctors (oncologists) work together to manage skin toxicities and allergies to help you continue lifesaving cancer treatments.

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Team approach to skin toxicity care

Our dermatologists work closely with your cancer care team to manage skin toxicities. We offer care that treats the skin reaction, so you can continue cancer treatments.
Cancer treatments that cause skin toxicity

As many as 9 in 10 people who get cancer treatments will experience some type of skin toxicity. It’s a common cancer treatment side effect. Cancer treatments that cause skin toxicity include:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Stem cell transplant
  • Targeted therapy
Comprehensive skin toxicity treatments

Treatments for skin toxicity depend on your unique symptoms and diagnosis. Our goal is to treat the skin reaction with minimal, if any, changes to cancer treatments.

Skin toxicity treatments may include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Antihistamines
  • Biologics
  • Corticosteroids
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Pain-relieving medications

In rare cases, a person may develop a severe allergic reaction. This can require hospitalization and may mean stopping the cancer medication causing the reaction.

Preventing skin toxicity

Our dermatologists provide education and guidance to lower your risk of skin toxicity and care for your skin during a reaction. Your provider may recommend:

  • Applying daily moisturizer with emollients
  • Donning a scalp-cooling cap during IV chemotherapy sessions
  • Using gentle pH-balanced body washes and hair products
  • Wearing sunscreen, sun-protective clothes, and sunglasses
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Our approach

Treatments for all types of skin toxicity

We offer the latest evidence-backed treatments for toxic skin reactions that occur during or after cancer treatments.
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Conditions and treatments

Skin toxicity clinical trials and research

Our dermatologists are active in research exploring these adverse skin reactions. We’re helping to find better, more effective ways to prevent and treat skin toxicities.
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We offer specialized services to manage skin reactions in patients receiving cancer treatments. We also coordinate with specialized doctors across specialties to manage complex reactions affecting the entire body.

  • Cancer Institute

    Learn about how the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute delivers expert cancer care for common and complex cancers, advancing new treatments through research and clinical trials.

  • Dermatology

    Our dermatologists care for a wide range of hair, skin, and nail concerns, from acne to nail infections, hair loss, and skin cancer. Schedule an appointment.

  • Dermatology

    Our dermatologists care for a wide range of hair, skin, and nail concerns, from acne to nail infections, hair loss, and skin cancer. Schedule an appointment.

  • Cancer Institute

    Learn about how the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute delivers expert cancer care for common and complex cancers, advancing new treatments through research and clinical trials.

  • Severe Immunotherapy Complications Program

    Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking form of cancer treatment, but it can cause complications. Get timely, expert care from our team of specialists.

  • General Dermatology

    We offer the region’s most extensive range of general dermatology services for all types of skin, hair, and nail conditions. See how we can help you.

  • Center for Cutaneous (Skin) Cancers

    The Mass General Brigham Center for Cutaneous (Skin) Cancers offers the latest research, advanced therapies, and support services. Learn more about our approach.

  • Radiation Oncology

    Our radiation oncologists offer the latest, most advanced techniques in a caring, supportive environment. Read more about our services.

  • Skin Cancer Treatments and Mohs Surgery

    We’re a regional leader in Mohs surgery and other skin cancer treatments for squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. See how we can help you.

  • Autoimmune Skin Disease Program

    Patients with autoimmune skin diseases receive comprehensive care from dermatology and immune system experts. See how our care makes a difference.

  • Advanced Acne Therapeutics

    Our Mass General Brigham experts at Advanced Acne Therapeutics provide specialized care for patients with acne.

  • Contact Dermatitis and Occupational Dermatology

    Contact Dermatitis and Occupational Dermatology is a referral-based specialty service with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and treating allergic reactions of the skin.

  • Infectious Skin Diseases Service

    The Infectious Skin Diseases Service offers treatment for patients with complicated primary cutaneous infections or systemic infections with cutaneous manifestations.

  • Melanoma Risk and Prevention

    We offer comprehensive services for early melanoma detection in people with high risk factors. We also treat early-stage melanoma. Learn how we can help you.

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Services and programs

Contact Skin Toxicities from Anticancer Therapies

Call us to speak with a team member who can help you understand your options and guide you to the care that is right for you. With locations throughout New England and support for patients traveling from outside the United States, we make it easier to access coordinated, expert care.
Phone

Brigham and Women's Hospital
617-525-9496

Massachusetts General Hospital
617-726-2914

Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital
617-983-7324

Martha's Vineyard Hospital
508-693-8183

Nantucket Cottage Hospital
508-825-1000

International
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