Skin color changes usually happen because there is some type of change in the body. For example, a person may look yellow because of liver problems, blue because of breathing problems, bruised because of blood disorders, or red because of skin problems. Changes in the skin can be due to tumor growth, sun exposure, or the side effects of chemo or radiation therapy. Some color changes may improve over time, while others may be permanent.

What to look for

• Yellowish color to skin and/or whites of eyes
• Deep orange to brown urine
• White or clay-colored (light brown or gray-looking) stools
• Bruises or areas of blue or purple skin that have no known cause
• Trouble breathing (If present, see section on shortness of breath.)
• Redness or rash on skin
• Swelling in an area that is discolored
• Itching (See the section on itching.)

What the patient can do

• Clean the area gently with warm water, gentle soap, and a soft cloth.
• Rinse the area carefully and pat dry.
• Apply water-repellent salve, such as petroleum jelly or A & D ointment^®.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing made of soft fabrics, such as cotton.
• Expose the affected skin to air whenever possible.
• Protect the affected area from heat and cold.
• Keep your skin protected from the sun. (For instance, wear a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved shirts when outside.)
• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to any skin exposed to the sun.
• Apply medicine prescribed for skin reactions.

What caregivers can do

• Keep track of any new medicines, soaps, detergents, or new foods that may have caused a rash.
• If a patient's hands are affected, do not let the patient do tasks involving hot water.
• Offer gentle massages with moisturizing lotions or creams.

Call the doctor if the patient:

• Has urine that remains dark or orange for a day or more
• Has stool that looks white or clay-colored for 2 or more bowel movements
• Develops a yellowish color on the skin or in the whites of the eyes
• Has severe itching (See the section on itching.)
• Has bruises that do not go away within a week, or new bruises that continue to appear for 3 days
• Has red or rash-like areas on the skin

Go back to Caring for the Patient with Cancer at Home: A Guide for Patients and Families.

Last Medical Review: 04/27/2009
Last Revised: 04/27/2009