Skin Side Effects Of Immunotherapy

This patient page defines the cancer treatment immunotherapy and describes its potential side effects particularly of the skin.

Skin side effects of immunotherapy.

Chemotherapy and immunotherapy can also change the color or pigment of the skin but it s less common. A lot of scratching can break the skin making it more prone to infections. They most frequently affect the skin colon endocrine organs liver and lungs. The most common side effects of immunotherapy include.

The most common things we see are rashes and dry skin which may be accompanied by itchiness or burning of the skin. Skin side effects seem to be associated with a better response to immunotherapy lacouture said. Many people who get immunotherapy have a skin reaction. Itching and rashes are the most common side effects on the skin.

Common immunotherapy side effects. Skin redness blistering and dryness are common reactions to immunotherapy. Skin and mucosa side effects localized or generalized skin related side effects are more common with immunotherapy. This may help patients find some acceptance of these changes as noted by other panelists the majority of skin reactions are treated with topical prescription steroid creams and occasionally oral medications that suppress the immune system.

Rashes and itching are common skin related side effects. Skin on the fingertips may crack. Hair loss may develop in round patches on the scalp or may lead to complete loss of all the hair on the body. Depending on the therapy you may see lightening or darkening of skin hair and nails.

Mouth sores may make it difficult to eat or drink. Fatigue is the most common side effect. They can be mild with minimal symptoms or severe affecting the patient s ability to take care of themselves. Importantly they can cause inflammatory and autoimmune complications which can affect any part of the body.

Skin may also become more sensitive to sunlight. You may not even notice.