Effects on your skin

Some chemotherapy drugs may affect your skin, causing it to become dry and itchy, or it may become sensitive to sun. Sometimes the skin may develop dark patches, especially over the veins used for chemotherapy. This is temporary and it will gradually fade when your treatment is complete.

Your nails may discolour or white ridges may appear for a time and your nails may not grow as quickly as normal.

You can help yourself in the following ways:

• apply a moisturising cream or baby oil frequently to the affected area
• add baby oil to your bath. This will make the bath slippery, so be careful when you get out
• use a high factor sun-cream or a sunblock especially on your head if you have hair loss