are dry lips a side effect of chemo
Depending on exactly where you receive radiation, a number of side effects can occur either on a temporary, long-term, or delayed basis. They include changes in sensation (the ability to feel), secretions (dry mouth), taste, and range of motion (when tissue hardening restricts movement and posture). These side effects can then affect key physical functions associated with the mouth and throat, such as speech and, especially after radiation, swallowing. Many of the side effects go away after discontinuing the medication but treatment is available to reduce the discomfort associated with the dry skin and chapped lips. Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm and Dr. Dan’s Hand Lotion both work to reduce the dryness and inflammation associated with the use of chemotherapeutic medications. CancerCare provides information, resources and support to help people with cancer manage dry mouth, a possible side effect from cancer treatment. Our oncology social workers can help you better cope with cancer and side effects of treatment. Dry mouth is marked by an exceptionally parched mouth, often caused when salivary glands become irritated or damaged, leading them to make less saliva or saliva that is thick or sticky. Chemotherapy can cause many side effects including dry skin and chapped lips. The exact cause of these side effects depends on the type of drugs used but is often related to the decrease in oil production by the glands in your skin. There are a number of changes after treatment similar to what you’ve described, some of which can be permanent. Rehabilitation, however, can ease the side effects of treatment, and there are ways to cope with these effects over the long term. Because saliva serves so many important functions, dry mouth may lead to a range of other symptoms, including increased thirst and hoarseness and an increased risk of oral infection and tooth decay. Other potential complications include altered speech, changes to taste or smell, difficulty swallowing and indigestion. How likely are cancer patients to experience dry mouth? Dry mouth is a common side effect of cancer treatment, especially among patients undergoing targeted radiotherapy to the head and neck. This condition can last for several months, or it may become permanent if the salivary glands are damaged during radiotherapy. Dry mouth is also typical among patients taking certain chemotherapy drugs that are known to thicken saliva and cause dry mouth. The side effects of chemotherapy include shingles, herpes simplex, anemia, fatigue, hair loss, nausea and vomiting, organ damage, and sometimes death. Some people on chemotherapy receive medications that can cause dry, chapped, painful lips and skin. Dr Dan’s CortiBalm and Dr Dan’s Hand and Body Lotion can help relieve the symptoms of itching, burning, and cracking helping to reduce the pain and stress associated with chemotherapy. SHOP CORTIBALM ». 1 Side effects of certain medications. Dry mouth is a common side effect of some prescription and non-prescription drugs.  Side effects of certain medical conditions, for example Sjögren's syndrome, and infections.
Yes, Chemotherapy can cause side effects including dry skin and chapped lips.