Skin Changes
The types of skin, mouth and hair changes which can occur in some patients treated with agents discussed on this section are described below. It is important to know that all of these changes are manageable.
Rashes
Some patients develop a type of rash involving flat, red areas on the skin with small bumps which feel itchy.
Your healthcare provider may refer to this as maculopapular rash.
Another type of skin reaction can occur on areas of the hand palms and foot soles that experience pressure or friction with redness, blistering or hardening of the skin.
Your healthcare provider may refer to this as hand-foot skin reaction.
Rarely patients may develop pimples and associated redness, which has an acne-like appearance (but is not acne). and should not be treated with anti-acne products. Such rashes can occur on the face, neck, shoulders and upper part of the body, although other parts of the body can be affected.
Your healthcare provider may refer to this as papulopustular rash.
Dry skin
Some patients develop dry skin that is flaky, dull and itchy.
Itchy skin
Some patients may develop particularly itchy skin.
Photosensitivity
Some patients may have increased sensitivity to sunlight, and will burn easily in the sun.
Abnormal growths
Rarely, some patients may develop growths on the skin, which may appear slightly unusual.
Nail Changes
Some patients develop soreness next to a nail on a finger or toe which can be tender to touch.
Hair Changes
Some patients can experience some (mostly mild and temporary) hair loss.
Mouth changes
Some patients may develop a dry mouth, unusual taste, difficulty in swallowing, or a tingling sensation on the mouth, lips or tongue.
Your healthcare provider may refer to this as stomatitis or mucositis that involves ulceration or inflammation of the lining of the mouth (oral mucosa).