Prophylaxis and Management of Skin Toxicities

The document "Prophylaxis and Management of Skin Toxicities" from April 2019 in Breast Care (Basel) discussed strategies for preventing and managing skin toxicities in cancer patients, emphasizing early identification and intervention to improve quality of life and treatment adherence. It reviewed prophylactic measures like topical steroids, moisturizers, and protective clothing, and management techniques such as dose adjustments and symptomatic treatments. The paper highlighted common dermatologic side effects, including xerosis, pruritus, exanthema, hand-foot syndrome, nail toxicities, alopecia, and mucositis, and stressed the importance of diligent skin care and appropriate use of medications. Vismodegib was noted for its high incidence of skin toxicities (57%), often leading to complete hair loss, though scalp cooling was effective in preventing alopecia. The document underscored the need for dermatologic advice in severe cases to avoid unnecessary treatment discontinuation.