A Study Regarding the Dermocosmetic Care of Cutaneous Adverse Effects Associated With Chemotherapy among Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Anna Mihelaraki, Pinelopi Kousoula, Athanasia Varvaresou and Kriton Iakovou

Cutaneous toxicity with chemotherapeutic agents is common. Skin rash (folliculitis) appears in a significant average of patients treated with alkylating agents, anthracyclines, topoisomerase inhibitors and Epidermal Growth Factor Inhibitors (EGFRIs). Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) regarding scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes is a wellknown cause of distress and stressor to patients, especially females. In the current study ten (10) women suffering from breast cancer with axillary lymph node involvement were asked to answer a questionnaire regarding possible aesthetic and dermocosmetic care of cutaneous side effects of oncologic therapy. All the patients had undergone mastectomy (30 % partial and 70 % radical) and were receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. It is interesting that only the 50 % from the patients was aware that could call on an aesthetician and 50% reported that cutaneous adverse effects of chemotherapy played important role for their psychological condition. A percentage of 50% did not know about areola tattoo. In conclusion a collaboration among dermatologists, cosmetologists, aestheticians and nurses is necessary in order to support patients suffering from cutaneous adverse effects caused by chemotherapy.

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