Palliative Management of Skin Symptoms

The skin is the largest organ of the body. In life-limiting illnesses, there are a number of important skin manifestations that may cause considerable suffering in patients and, indirectly, to their family and carers. They include pruritus, pathological sweating, skin failure, and malignant cutaneous wounds. This chapter will review the pathophysiological mechanisms, epidemiology, assessment, and management of these manifestations. Each section will be accompanied by a set of evidence-based management recommendations for clinicians.