Clinical Research Directory

Consensus on Skin Care in Breast Cancer Patients

Skin toxicity is one of the most common and impactful adverse effects of breast cancer treatment, affecting patients undergoing chemotherapy, targeted therapies, endocrine therapy, and radiotherapy. Current research and expert consensus highlight the importance of early, preventive, and gentle skin-care regimens to preserve barrier function and reduce treatment interruptions. Evidence supports the use of mild, fragrance-free cleansers, twice-daily emollient moisturization, and consistent broad-spectrum photoprotection throughout therapy. For radiation dermatitis, studies show that prophylactic moisturizers, silicone- or hydrofilm-based dressings, and short-course topical corticosteroids significantly reduce severity. Targeted therapies, particularly EGFR/HER2 inhibitors, require anticipatory management with barrier repair, topical anti-inflammatory agents, and oral antibiotics when papulopustular eruptions develop. Dermocosmetic products designed for sensitive or oncology-treated skin have demonstrated improvements in symptom burden and quality of life. Overall, the consensus emphasizes patient education, avoidance of irritants, multidisciplinary dermatologic-oncologic collaboration, and proactive rather than reactive care to effectively mitigate skin-related adverse events in breast cancer patients.