Sun Sensitivity Due To Chemotherapy

Sun Sensitivity Due To Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy will make your child's skin more sensitive to the sun and more likely to burn more easily. Sunscreen (SPF30 or more), a hat and clothing which covers the skin are very important.

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Key points to remember about sun sensitivity due to chemotherapy

  • chemotherapy will make your child's skin more sensitive to the sun and more likely to burn more easily
  • use sunscreen (SPF30 or more), a hat and clothing which covers the skin whenever your child is outside

How can chemotherapy affect my child's skin?

Chemotherapy makes the skin more sensitive to the sun and more likely to burn more easily.

What skin protection does my child need during cancer treatment?

Whenever your child is outside, they must use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or more, a hat and clothing which covers the skin.

You can find out more information and tips at the Cancer Society website.

Find out how to be sunsmart

Read more about side effects of treatment

Read more about childhood cancer

Acknowledgements

All the pages in the childhood cancer section of this website have been written by health professionals who work in the field of paediatric oncology. They have been reviewed by the members of the National Child Cancer Network (NZ). Medical information is authorised by the clinical leader of the National Child Cancer Network.

This page last reviewed 10 June 2021.

Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 any time of the day or night for free health advice when you need it