[Preventing dermatopathy of patients receiving cancer chemotherapy]

Anticancer drug-associated dermatopathy tends to be disregarded because of its small systemic influence. However, it may affect daily living activities, and mental distress due to its appearance may interfere with the continuation of therapy. In this study, we surveyed the state of skin care, and found that patients had anxiety over vomiting and depilation rather than dermatopathy. Patients who developed dermatopathy performed skin care, but none performed preventive skin care. For patients to perform skin care to prevent adverse effects, we provided information on appropriate self-skin care methods based on pharmaceutical management/instruction and instruction in an outpatient chemotherapy room using documents. On conducting the second questionnaire survey after providing information, 74.3% of patients answered that information provided by pharmacists was useful. Since skin care is a form of self-care, it is necessary to continuously provide information to support patients.