The invention encompasses protectant agents including uracil or a metabolite thereof that effectively treat the cutaneous toxicities and dermatological side-effects associated with chemotherapeutic agents. Specifically, and surprisingly, the compositions of the invention including uracil or a metabolite thereof are effective for treating various dermatoses including atopic dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, radiation-induced dermatitis, dry skin dermatitis, papulopustular rashes, xerosis, pruitus, actinic keratosis, and genital warts.
