Symptom: Skin, Dry

Initial Grading Reminder

CTCAE For Skin, Dryness:

Grade 1: Covering <10% BSA and no associated erythema or pruritus
Grade 2: Covering 10-30% BSA and associated with erythema or pruritus; limiting instrumental ADLs
Grade 3: Covering >30% BSA and associated with pruritus; limiting self-care ADLs

Assessment and Grading

Characterize the symptom (onset, pace)

Ask the patient:

Do you normally have dry skin? If so, when (e.g., wintertime)? When did the dryness start/get worse? Has it developed gradually or suddenly?

Grade the symptom

Ask the patient:

Are there cracks or any bleeding? What have you been doing/using/applying to help the dryness?  Is it itchy? Have you been scratching it? Is it widespread? Is it interfering with your normal daily activities? Is it keeping you awake at night?

Patient Query Regarding Other Symptoms/Red Flags

Ask the patient:

Do you also have a rash? If so, is it over more than 50% of your body? Is your mouth involved? Do any of the lesions look infected? Are you very fatigued?

Patient Factors to Consider That Affect the Approach to Intervention

Consider the following in individualizing the intervention: Is the patient a good or poor historian? Any language barriers or cognitive deficits? Is the patient reliable (able to carry out treatment recommendations)? Does this patient have alcohol/substance abuse issues? Does the patient have transportation? Is there sufficient caregiver support?