Guide To Chemotherapy Side Effects

Rashes

An individual being treated with chemotherapy may develop a chemotherapy rash, also called an EGFR rash. This kind of rash usually starts as warmness in the skin and redness that is comparable to a sunburn. The rash may become scaly, bumpy, and may peel. This type of rash tends to form most often on the face, chest, and upper back. Some patients with this rash develop small pimple-like bumps, referred to as maculopapules, in the affected area. A chemotherapy rash can be painful and affect other parts of the body, like the hair on the scalp and nails in the nail beds. This type of rash develops in fifty to seventy-five percent of patients treated with an EGFR antagonist in their chemotherapy medication cocktail. Although a rash from chemotherapy can be painful and unsightly, it is deemed to be a good sign because it indicates the medications are working.