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Skin Care During Radiation Treatment

Skin irritation is one of the most common side effects of radiation treatment. Many patients will experience symptoms such as redness, itching or patches of discolored skin. There are many ways to treat skin irritation and many things to avoid. Make sure to keep your team of doctors informed of your symptoms and side effects. They can give you advice based on your individual needs.

  1. Skin Irritation Is Common

    • Do not wash in overly hot water.

      Skin irritation is a common side effect of radiation treatment. Symptoms usually begin to occur on the surface of the skin being treated two to three weeks into the treatments and begin to fade a few weeks after the treatments come to an end. Skin irritations are not serious and they have nothing to do with the cancer; they are simply a symptom of the radiation entering and exiting the body. Skin may appear darker, turn red, become dry or itch.

    Products

    • Use products recommended by your doctor.

      Do not use any products that are heavily perfumed. Do not use deodorant soaps. You should not use deodorant/antiperspirant that contains metal (such as aluminum) on the skin exposed to radiation therapy. Deodorants containing metal are harsher on your skin than those without. Use mild and moisturizing soaps; your doctor will be able to recommend brands. Do not use any product that contains alcohol. Alcohol is drying.

    Things to Do

    • Bathe only once a day in lukewarm water. Dry yourself off by gently patting your skin with a soft towel. Make sure to use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or higher. Skin treated by radiation is permanently sensitive to the sun, so make sure you both limit your time in the sun and protect yourself sufficiently when you are outside. Wear loose, soft clothing. Moisturize your skin with doctor-recommended lotions and creams. Eat a healthy and balanced diet and make sure to drink enough water. Protect your skin from harsh cleaning chemicals.

    Things Not to Do

    • Do not bathe in overly hot water, as this dries out the skin. Do not soak the affected skin. Do not scrub the skin dry or harshly run a towel over it. Do not go into the sun without sunscreen. Do not moisturize your skin directly prior to radiation treatments. Do not place heating pads or ice packs on the affected skin. Avoid wearing tight or itchy clothing. Do not use tape or band-aids on your skin. Avoid shaving the affected area. If you must shave use an electric razor that does not give as close a shave. Avoid overheating your house in the winter.

    Skin Recall

    • If you are having chemotherapy treatment at the same time or directly following the radiation treatments, you may have flare-ups of the symptoms caused by radiation. The skin is remembering the radiation process. Though the flare-ups are not serious, keep your team of doctors informed of your symptoms and continue to care for your skin in the same way you did during radiation treatment.

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