What causes skin color to change and what should I do about it?
ACS Answer
Skin color changes because there is a change in the body. For example, a person may look yellow because of liver problems, blue because of breathing problems, bruised because of blood disorders, or red because of skin problems. Changes in the body can be due to tumor growth, sun exposure, or side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
What to look for
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Deep orange urine
- White or clay-colored stools
- Bruises or areas of blue or purple skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Redness or rash on skin
- Swelling in an area that is discolored
- Itching
What to do
If skin has a yellowish color
To reduce itching:
- Take baths with starch or baking soda in the water.
- Apply soothing lotions to skin, such as calamine, Caladryl, or witch hazel.
- Take any medications ordered by your doctor for itching.
To reduce the desire to scratch:
- Redirect your attention to TV, radio, books, or company.
- Get soothing massages, especially at bedtime.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing of soft fabrics, such as cotton.
- Keep nails trimmed and clean.
- Wear clean white gloves if you scratch without realizing it.
If skin is red or rash-like
- Cleanse area gently with warm water, gentle soap, and a soft cloth.
- Rinse area carefully and pat dry.
- Apply water-repellent cream, such as A&D ointment.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing of soft fabrics, such as cotton.
- Expose affected skin to air whenever possible.
- Protect affected area from heat and cold.
- Wear hats and long-sleeved shirts to protect skin from the sun
- Apply sunscreen (SPF 15 and higher) to any skin exposed to the sun.
- Apply medication prescribed for skin reactions.
Do not
- Drink alcoholic beverages
- Scratch
- Scrub skin
- Expose skin to strong, direct sunlight or heat
- Expose skin to the cold
Call the doctor about any of the following symptoms
- If urine remains dark or orange for 1 day or more
- If stool appears white or clay-colored for 2 or more bowel movements
- If you first notice a yellowish color on skin or in whites of the eyes
- If you have severe itching
- If bruises do not go away within a week, or new bruises continue to appear for 3 days
- If you first notice red or rash-like areas on skin
Related Resources
Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore.
Recommended Consultation
You should consider discussing this question with your doctor or health care team.
