Chemotherapy Itching: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief

Chemotherapy can cause itching (pruritus) and other skin changes, most commonly due to skin dryness, irritation, and treatment-related rashes. ^[1] Itching may appear on any part of the body, and skin changes can include redness, dryness, cracking, photosensitivity, and rashes. ^[2] Itching can occur from systemic treatments and may also localize along veins where drugs were infused or at injection sites. ^[3]

---

Why Itching Happens

• Chemotherapy affects rapidly renewing skin cells, making the skin more prone to irritation, dryness, and rashes that can itch. ^[1]
• Visible changes can include redness (erythema), pruritus (itching), dry skin (xerosis), peeling, darkened patches, and sun sensitivity, all of which may contribute to itch. ^[4]
• Skin changes may be generalized or appear where chemotherapy was delivered (along infusion veins or injection sites). ^[3]

---

What It Looks and Feels Like

• Common patterns: generalized dryness and itchiness, cracking, and rashes; nails can also become brittle. ^[2]
• Symptoms may occur during treatment and sometimes persist; evaluation is helpful if symptoms are severe or prolonged. ^[1]

---

First-Line Self-Care That Helps

• Use fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizers or ointments (e.g., petrolatum-based) on damp skin after bathing to seal in moisture. ^[5]
• Choose mild, gentle, fragrance-free cleansers; avoid harsh soaps that strip oils. ^[6]
• Limit hot water exposure; keep showers short and lukewarm to reduce dryness and irritation. ^[6]
• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and long baths that can worsen dryness and itch. ^[6]
• Protect from sun: avoid peak sun, wear protective clothing and broad-spectrum sunscreen, as photosensitivity is common. ^[2]
• Wear soft, loose cotton clothing and keep nails short to reduce skin injury from scratching. ^[7]

---

Medications and Treatments Your Care Team May Recommend

• Topical corticosteroids can ease inflammatory rashes and associated itching. ^[8]
• For persistent dryness-related itch, thicker emollients/ointments used multiple times daily may be advised. ^[5]
• Your team may assess for other causes (e.g., infection or non-chemo causes) if itching is severe or not improving. ^[1]

---

When to Seek Medical Advice

• New or worsening widespread rash, skin pain, blisters, or signs of infection (oozing, warmth, fever). ^[1]
• Itch that disrupts sleep or daily activities despite moisturizers and gentle skin care. ^[2]
• Itching localized to infusion sites with marked redness or swelling, which may need targeted care. ^[3]

---

Daily Checklist for Relief

• Moisturize head-to-toe within 3 minutes after bathing. ^[5]
• Use mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water only. ^[6]
• Avoid alcohol-containing lotions and hot environments that dry the skin. ^[6]
• Sun-protect every day; cover skin and use broad-spectrum sunscreen. ^[2]
• Wear soft cotton layers; keep nails trimmed to prevent skin breaks. ^[7]

---

Key Takeaway

Chemotherapy can reasonably lead to itching due to skin dryness, rashes, and sensitivity, but consistent gentle skin care, alcohol-free moisturizers, sun protection, and avoiding heat usually help, and topical treatments may be added by your care team if needed. ^{[1] [5] [2]}