Symptom: Skin, Oily

Initial Grading Reminder

CTCAE For Skin, Oily:
No specific grading is available

Grade 1: Mild
Grade 2: Moderate, affecting the individual’s QOL
Grade 3: Severe, having a more severe impact on QOL

Assessment and Grading

Characterize the symptom (onset, pace)

Ask the patient:

Has your skin been oily in the past? When did the symptom start/get worse? Has it developed gradually or suddenly?

Grade the symptom

Ask the patient:

How oily is your skin? Is your hair also oily?  Is it leading to problems (acne, etc)?

Patient Query Regarding Other Symptoms/Red Flags

Ask the patient:

Do you have diarrhea, hair loss, or does your heart feel like it is skipping a beat or racing? Have you lost weight?

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?

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    Suggested Intervention

    Patients with new onset moderate or worse (or worsening) oily skin should be seen.

    Patients with any of the red-flag symptoms also should be seen immediately.

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    Nursing Assessment of Potential Causes

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    Differential Diagnosis

    What do you suspect is the cause of the oily skin?