The American Cancer Society is here to support Ukrainian patients with cancer, caregivers, and clinicians.

Close Critical Alert Banner
Skip to Content
Cancer Helpline
Contact Phone Image800.227.2345
Live Chat ImageContact Us
Email ImageSign Up For Email
American Cancer Society
  • Español
  • More Languages
Give In Honor & Memorial Donate ImageDonate
Search
Give In Honor & Memorial
Sign Up Email ImageSign Up For Email
  • Cancer A-Z

    Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope. Here you'll find in-depth information on specific cancer types – including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options.

    • Explore Cancer A-Z
    • Breast Cancer
    • Colon and Rectal Cancer
    • Lung Cancer
    • Prostate Cancer
    • Skin Cancer
    • All Cancer Types

    Featured Topics

    • Skin Cancer Gallery
    • Non-cancerous Breast Conditions
    • Cancer in Children
    • Rare Cancers, Sub-types, and Pre-cancers

    Related Resources

    • Cancer Glossary
    • Cancer News
    • For Health Care Professionals
  • Risk, Prevention, & Screening

    You can help reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. It’s also important to follow recommended screening guidelines, which can help detect certain cancers early.

    • Explore Risk, Prevention, & Screening
    • Find Cancer Early
    • Stay Away From Tobacco
    • Eat Healthy & Get Active
    • Be Safe in the Sun
    • Protect Against HPV
    • What Causes Cancer?
    • Cancer Facts

    Featured Topics

    • Screening Guidelines by Age
    • Genetics & Cancer
    • Sun Safety Videos
    • BMI Calculator

    Related Resources

    • Signs & Symptoms of Cancer
    • Tests to Diagnose Cancer
    • Cancer Prevention News
  • Treatment & Survivorship

    Whether you want to learn about treatment options, get advice on coping with side effects, or have questions about health insurance, we’re here to help. 

    • Explore Treatment & Survivorship
    • Understanding Your Diagnosis
    • Treatment & Side Effects
    • Survivorship
    • Financial & Insurance Matters
    • Children & Cancer
    • For Caregivers & Family
    • Nearing the End of Life

    Featured Topics

    • Clinical Trials
    • When Natural Disasters Strike
    • Personal Health Manager
    • Caregiver Guide

    Related Resources

    • ACS Bookstore
    • Cancer Survivors Network
    • Stories of Hope
  • Programs & Services

    The American Cancer Society offers programs and services to help you during and after cancer treatment. Below are some of the resources we provide. We can also help you find other free or low-cost resources available.

    • Explore Patient Programs and Services
    • Lodging During Treatment
    • Rides to Treatment

    Get Support

    • Support and Online Communities
    • Reach To Recovery
    • Schedule a Video Chat

    More Resources

    • Find a Resource
    • Hair Loss and Mastectomy Products
  • Our Research

    What does it take to outsmart cancer? Research. We’ve invested more than $5 billion in cancer research since 1946, all to find more – and better – treatments, uncover factors that may cause cancer, and improve cancer patients’ quality of life.

    • Explore Our Research
    • ACS Research Highlights
    • ACS Research News
    • Cancer Facts & Figures
    • CPS-3: Cancer Prevention Study-3
    • Currently Funded Cancer Research
    • Apply for a Grant

    Life-Saving Research

    • Research We Fund
    • Surveillance & Health Equity Science
    • Population Science
    • Our Research Team

    Interactive & Multimedia

    • Cancer Statistics Center
    • Tobacco Atlas
    • Cancer Atlas
    • ACS Research Podcasts
  • Get Involved

    We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers and donors. Together, we’re making a difference – and you can, too. Become a volunteer, make a tax-deductible donation, or participate in a fundraising event to help us save lives.

    • Explore Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Fundraise
    • Sign Up for Email

    MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

    • Plan a Gift
    • Shop to Save Lives
    • Celebrate a Loved One
    • Be An Advocate

    Our Passion

    • Volunteer to Help
    • ACS in Your Community
    • Cancer News
    • More Ways to Give
  • About Us

    At the American Cancer Society, we’re on a mission to free the world from cancer. Until we do, we’ll be funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention. All so you can live longer — and better.

    • Explore About Us
    • Who We Are
    • What We Do
    • Our Partners
    • Where We Help
    • Sign Up for Email

    GET TO KNOW US

    • Our History
    • Global Cancer Programs
    • Financials & Governance
    • Multicultural Communities

    MAKING A DIFFERENCE

    • Careers at ACS
    • Our Leadership
    • ACS News Room
Cancer Helpline
800.227.2345
Contact Us
Español More Languages
Search

prod

Ver en español
|
  • Treatment & Survivorship
  • Treatments and Side Effects
  • Managing Cancer-related Side Effects

Skin Problems

Cancer and cancer treatment can cause skin changes such as dryness, itchiness, and rash. Surgery and changes in activity level might also make cancer patients more prone to other skin problems. Learn what to look for and how to manage skin problems.

Dry Skin

Dry skin can be rough, flaky, red, and sometimes painful. It’s often caused by not having enough oil and water in the layers of the skin. Common causes of dry skin include dehydration, heat, cold, poor nutrition, and side effects of treatment.

Itchy Skin

Itching can keep you awake and cause restlessness, anxiety, skin sores, and infection. Common causes of itching in people with cancer include dry skin, allergies, side effects of medicines, and cancer treatment. Other illnesses and certain kinds of cancer can also cause itching.

Skin Rash

A skin rash is a common side effect of certain types of cancer treatments.  Rashes usually develop within a few weeks of receiving the treatment, but can develop at any time during your cancer treatment. 

Changes in Skin Color

Changes in the skin can be due to tumor growth, sun exposure, or the side effects of treatment. 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. 

Pressure Sores

A skin or pressure sore develops when the blood supply to an area of the body is stopped and the skin in that area dies, often leaving an open crater or ulcer in the skin. A person who is bedridden or always in a wheelchair puts pressure on the same places much of the time. 

Scars and Wounds

A wound is a physical injury to the body that disrupts its structure.  Proper care for a wound is important to protect it from infection and help it heal. Scars are healed wounds.

Make-up Tips During Treatment

Trying to look your best might be the last thing on your mind when faced with a cancer diagnosis. But you might also find that learning a few new make-up techniques to help you look more like your normal self helps you feel better and gives you more confidence while going through treatment. Here are some tips to help.

BackTo Top

Imagine a world free from cancer. Help make it a reality.

DONATE

Cancer Information

  • Cancer Prevention & Detection
  • Cancer Basics
  • Signs & Symptoms of Cancer
  • Treatments & Side Effects
  • ACS Research Highlights
  • Cancer Facts & Statistics
  • News and Stories
  • Glossary
  • For Health Care Professionals

Programs & Services

  • Lodging During Treatment
  • Rides To Treatment
  • Breast Cancer Support
  • Hair Loss and Mastectomy Products
  • Connecting Cancer Survivors

ACS FUNDRAISERS

  • Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks
  • Relay For Life Events
  • American Cancer Society on Campus
  • Coaches vs. Cancer
  • Galas, Balls & Parties
  • Ways to Give
  • Memorial Giving
  • Planned Giving
  • Philanthropy
  • Donate a Car

About ACS

  • Contact Us
  • Local Offices
  • Employment
  • Information for Suppliers
  • Report Fraud or Abuse
  • Sign Up for Email
  • Our Research
  • Cancer Action Network
  • Global Health
  • Policies
  • Our Volunteers

More ACS Sites

  • Bookstore
  • Cancer Atlas
  • Cancer Statistics Center
  • ACS News Room
  • Volunteer Community

Follow Us

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Cancer Information, Answers, and Hope. Available Every Minute of Every Day.

800.227.2345

Follow Us

Twitter Facebook Instagram
  • help
  • site map
  • privacy policy
  • accessibility
  • terms of use
  • state fundraising notices
  • Site Comments

© 2022 American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved. The American Cancer Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Tax ID Number: 13-1788491. Cancer.org is provided courtesy of the Leo and Gloria Rosen family.

*
Image of
Previous Next
Close

Select A Hope Lodge