Cancer treatments can dry out the skin. In addition, in the case of targeted therapies, there is sometimes another side effect: acneiform rashes. These can occur on the face and make you feel embarrassed. They usually disappear once treatment is finished. In the meantime, we'll help you get through it.
Do not rely on the name. Acneiform rashes are not related to acne spots: they are neither comedones nor microcysts. However, their appearance is similar to acne and so is their location: these red spots, sometimes topped by a white head, appear on the areas of the skin rich in sebaceous glands, where the skin is oiliest.
Acneiform rashes (or “ eruptions ”) can be found on the face, scalp, upper chest and upper back. They can be mild, moderate or severe and can cause itching or burning and even become infected.
Acneiform rashes: what to avoid
Acneiform rashes appear at the beginning of treatment and regress with the medication prescribed by the treatment team, or by themselves when the targeted therapy ends. However, hyperpigmentation (darker spots) may occur, especially in areas where the skin has been irritated. It is, therefore, very important to take care of your skin during this period.
During the treatment, scrubs should be avoided, as should exposure to the sun, as this may aggravate the lesions. Piercing any spots is also strongly discouraged: it increases the risk of leaving scars that will be difficult to forget.
I had spots on my face and around my mouth, I looked like a teenager. It was dry, itchy and I always wanted to scratch. Thanks to some suitable creams, my skin was less reactive and I was relieved.
Antoine
Relieving acneiform rashes
During your treatment, your sensitive skin needs to be moisturised, repaired and protected.
Moisturise, repair
You may have noticed that overall your skin was drier, more sensitive and uncomfortable. To cleanse it, use a cleansing oil or ultra-rich cleansing bar applied by hand (or a gel cleansing lotion). To soothe your skin more intensively, apply thermal spring water regularly in the form of sprays or compresses. Do not hesitate to nourish it once or twice a day with an emollient to restore the hydrolipidic film, the barrier function of your skin and relieve itching. On acneiform lesions, especially if they become infected, use an antibacterial cream or a drying spray that combines copper and zinc. This will repair your skin and accelerate its healing.
Protect
Sun protection is essential from the start of treatment, especially as some of the molecules used in targeted therapies make the skin even more sensitive to the sun. Even in weak sunlight, apply a very high protection cream (SPF 50+) with a broad spectrum (UVA and UVB filters), specially formulated for the most vulnerable skin. Why not try out a tinted one to give your face some colour? And don't forget your glasses and hat.
There are several ways to alleviate the discomfort of acneiform breakouts. This includes your choice of clothes and washing detergent.
Your dry, breakout-prone skin needs a gentle touch. To avoid aggravating irritation and itching, forget synthetic fabrics that are less gentle on the skin and tend to make you sweat more. Choose loose-fitting clothes made of natural fibres such as cotton or linen. They will also help protect you from the sun in the summer. Because your clothes are in direct contact with your skin, the choice of detergent is also important. Opt for liquids, preferably without preservatives and without potentially irritating fragrances. Rinsing is also very important: be careful not to overload the drum of the washing machine. This advice also applies to the washing of household linen (towels, bath sheets, bed linen, etc.).
The right steps to care for acneiform rashes
When they appear on the face, acneiform rashes can be embarrassing. If you wish, you can conceal the lesions with corrective make-up products for sensitive skin. After moisturising your skin, mask the lesions with a fluid corrective foundation that you apply by dabbing with a sponge, to blur the raised edges of the spots. For make-up removal, use a gel cleansing lotion, which you apply with your fingers and remove with a tissue. Spray with thermal spring water to complete the cleansing and finish with a soothing balm.
