Managing Skin Side Effects Associated With Oncology Treatments: Asian Perspective on Use of Dermocosmetics

Skin adverse events (AEs) frequently accompany all types of anticancer treatments. The type and course of these skin AEs with different cancer treatments have been described and may be considered to generally have a similar pattern in differing world regions. However, some populations, including Asian populations, may have presentations that vary somewhat based on skin sensitivity and other factors. Education of both healthcare professionals and patients about how to identify, prevent, and manage these skin AEs is imperative in this era when not only is cancer on the rise but also there are longer life expectancies due to new, improved treatment approaches. Maintaining a good quality of life is a key target in oncology management, and skin AEs can have a profound effect on patient comfort, patient self-image, and psychological ability to cope. Today, proactive skincare regimens, including dermocosmetics, can be put in place to minimize potential for AEs. If skin AEs occur, dermocosmetics may be employed alone or to augment the effects of medical treatments. Optimally, cancer patients should be managed by a multidisciplinary team with knowledge of skin and treatment-related AEs. This publication discusses how recent international guidance on best-practices use of dermocosmetics can be adapted to the North Asia region (China, Hong Kong, Japan, Republic of Korea, and Taiwan).