Skin Changes Caused By Targeted Chemotherapies

Targeted therapies act on cancer cells while having little or no effect on normal healthy cells. Targeted therapies can cause skin changes, such as a rash.

There are some things you can do to help prevent skin changes or at least to try to keep them under control. You should start to do them as soon as targeted therapy treatment begins - before any problems start.

Tell your doctor or nurse about any rashes or skin changes you notice. Left untreated, the rash can get worse and lead to infection, as well as the need to delay or even stop treatment. Do not treat your skin with over-the-counter medicines or stop taking your targeted therapy without talking to your doctor first.

There are some medical professionals who believe that the existence of a rash indicates that a targeted therapy is working. These therapies can work even if they do not cause a rash.

To learn more, see:

• What Are Targeted Therapies?
• Why Do Targeted Therapies Cause Skin Changes?
• What Kind Of Skin Changes Can Targeted Therapies Cause?
• Can Skin Changes Be Prevented?
• What Should I Do If I Have Skin Changes?
• Can Skin Changes Be Treated?
• Skin Rash As A Sign That Treatment Is Working