How to Manage the Side Effects of Radiation Treatments

No patient undergoing radiotherapy treatments would have ever imagined that radiation aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses would have the repercussions or side effects that they do. Radiation used in radio therapeutic treatments is used for treating all sorts of cancers and inflammations by destroying the malignant, cancerous cells, but as a side effect also harms the normal regenerative cells to some extent. Side effects commonly described by patients undergoing radiation treatment are dry, itchy skin followed by skin flaking and dry mouth (due to constriction of the orifices of the ducts of the salivary gland).

Things You'll Need

• 7gm. Mint
• 25gm. Brown Sugar
• 175 ml. Water
• Lead aprons
• Lead collar/Thyroid shield
• Nylon sock
• Cornstarch

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Instructions

• 1

  Drink mint tea to stave off an upset stomach and some of the skin conditions associated with radiation. Mix 7g of mint and 25g of brown sugar with 175ml of boiling water and drink a cup each day.

• 2

  Use a lead apron and lead collar or thyroid shields during treatment, even if not offered by the treatment staff. These aprons have to be tied just like your ordinary kitchen apron or around the neck, and they protect the radiosensitive tissue and organs of the chest, abdomen, and neck region from radiation exposure.

• 3

  Dust any irritated areas of skin with cornstarch to absorb moisture which could irritate and chap the skin. Fill an old nylon sock with cornstarch and lightly tap the moist areas that may be chafing.