COMMON SKIN CONDITIONS CAUSED BY TARGETED TREATMENTS

COMMON SKIN CONDITIONS CAUSED BY TARGETED TREATMENTS


Targeted treatments effectively manage many different kinds of cancer. These drugs are designed to block different mechanisms by which cancer cells are nourished, grow, divide, and possibly spread.


Targeted treatments differ from chemotherapy in that their focus is to prevent cancer cells from growing as well as kill the cancer cells themselves. Chemotherapy can harm healthy cells as it kills cancer cells.


Some of the targeted therapies may lead to skin problems. In particular, the type that inhibits epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) sometimes causes rashes and other irritating skin conditions. Although it is not readily known why the rash occurs, recent research suggests that the rash may indicate that the EGFR inhibitor treatment is effective.


Targeted treatments, particularly those that block EGFRs, commonly cause four skin-related side effects: follicular eruption, nail toxicity, dry skin, and hair changes.





Follicular Eruption




• Refers to inflammation of the hair follicles.


• Rash appears on the face, scalp, chest, back, and areas behind and in front of the ears.


• Very rarely occurs on the buttocks, arms, or legs.


• Looks very similar to acne—some health care providers call it an acne-like rash.


• Tends to occur in many people who take EGFR-blocking drugs.


• Usually appears about 1 week to 10 days after starting treatment


• Can occur as late as 6 weeks after the first dose of medication



Treatment




• Rash may appear and disappear; mild forms may sometimes disappear without treatment.


• Rarely becomes so severe that targeted therapy is stopped.


• Mild cases


˚ Steroid creams

image Help reduce inflammation, pain, and discomfort

image Tend to be more powerful than over-the-counter brands

image Available only with a doctor’s prescription (e.g., hydrocortisone valerate [Westcort and others])

image Apply after cleaning the skin very gently with a mild, soap-free cleanser, such as Cetaphil.

image Use very carefully, particularly on the face.

image Side effects include thinning and whitening of the skin; the appearance of visible blood vessels; and a red, pimply, or acne-like rash.

˚ Other topical treatments include

image Acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide

image Retinoids (a class of drugs including Retin-A)

image Topical antibiotics (typically erythromycin, clindamycin, or metronidazole).

image All have been shown to help some people with follicular eruptions.

image Can irritate and dry the skin; use carefully

image It is advised to use these drugs every other day at first and then slowly increase to daily use.

˚ Nontopical treatments include oral antibiotics, usually tetracyclines

image Help relieve inflammation.

image May take several weeks to start reducing symptoms.

Related posts:

  1. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
  2. MANAGING YOUR CANCER TREATMENT-RELATED FATIGUE
  3. Cultural Issues in Cancer Care
  4. Principles of Symptom Management

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Mar 1, 2017 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on COMMON SKIN CONDITIONS CAUSED BY TARGETED TREATMENTS

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