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Skin rash and skin changes

Immunotherapy and targeted drugs (like Tagrisso) often cause rash, dry skin or itching. Some chemo causes hand-foot syndrome.

When it happens

It can start in the first weeks.

What helps at home

Use gentle, fragrance-free soap and thick moisturizer twice a day.
Take short, lukewarm showers.
Use sunscreen (SPF 30+) and cover up; many drugs make skin sun-sensitive.
Don't pop acne-like bumps; ask about prescription creams.

Call your care team now if you have:

Blistering, peeling or sores in your mouth or eyes
A rash covering a large part of your body
Rash with fever

Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain or signs of stroke.

Drugs on this site linked to skin rash

▶ Watch

Watch: How to Manage Side Effects During Cancer Treatment: Fatigue, Hair, Skin Care | Cancer Straight Talk (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)

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Find support

CancerCare: Free counseling, support groups and financial help
Cancer Support Community: Support groups, a helpline and the MyLifeLine online community
Imerman Angels: Free one-on-one matching with a survivor or caregiver mentor
American Cancer Society: 24/7 helpline (1-800-227-2345), rides to treatment, lodging and information

Common questions

Is rash a good sign on targeted therapy?

Don't read meaning into it. Just report it so it can be treated.

Written by the Cancer Side Effects Guide team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write

Not medical advice. This page is general information to help you talk with your care team. It can't replace advice from your doctor or nurse. If you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher during treatment, or any symptom that worries you, call your care team now. In an emergency, call 911.