Radiation Therapy Cream: Skin Care During Treatment

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Can I have a skin reaction during radiotherapy treatment?

You may develop a skin reaction during your radiotherapy treatment. This leaflet will tell you how to look after your skin during your treatment. Skin reactions usually develop about two weeks in to treatment. The first signs of a skin reaction that you may notice are mild redness and your skin may feel warm in the area you are having treated.

Can radiation therapy irritate your skin?

Be very gentle when washing your skin in the area that’s receiving radiation therapy. You can easily irritate it, which can cause side effects on your skin. To avoid irritating your skin, skip the washclothes, sponges, and loofahs. Instead, use your hands to gently splash water on the treated skin.

How does Radiation Therapy treat skin cancer?

Radiation therapy aims to maximize the number of cancer cells destroyed, while minimizing the damage to nearby normal cells. The main type of radiation used for the treatment of skin cancers are x-rays. X-rays can be generated with different energy levels.

Can radiotherapy make your skin sore?

Radiotherapy can make your skin sore in the treatment area. Some people have no skin problems at all but others have very sore skin. This depends on: A skin reaction can make your skin red, or darker in darker skinned people. It can also be sore, itchy, look like sunburn and it might peel and blister.

What type of radiotherapy is used for skin cancer?

You usually have external beam radiotherapy for skin cancer. Occasionally, a type of internal radiotherapy called brachytherapy might be used. Radiotherapy is particularly useful if surgery might be too difficult or affect your appearance.

How does radiotherapy affect my skin?

If you have any further questions please contact the Radiotherapy Department at The Lingen Davies Centre on 01743 261179. The effect of radiotherapy on the skin can be similar to sunburn i.e. reddening and irritation. Your skin may darken; feel dry, tight or sore. A rash may appear; occasionally the skin may blister or peel.

How long does it take for skin to improve after radiation therapy?

It may take several weeks for your skin to improve after you finish your radiation therapy. While you’re receiving your treatments, you will be seen weekly by your radiation team. They will examine your skin and make recommendations for changes in your skin care, as needed.

What Is Radiation Therapy Cream

1. https://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/download/clientfiles/files/Patient%20Information%20Leaflets/Medicine/Oncology/Radiotherapy%20treatment%20-%20skin%20care%20advice%20for%20patients.pdf
2. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/skin-care-after-radiation-therapy
3. https://www.verywellhealth.com/radiation-burns-6889876
4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/radiotherapy/
5. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/skin-care-guidelines-patients-receiving-radiation-therapy
6. https://patientinfolibrary.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/document/download/1446
7. https://www.greenpeople.co.uk/blogs/the-beauty-hub/a-guide-to-radiotherapy-skin-care
8. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/radiotherapy/side-effects/general/skin
9. https://velindre.nhs.wales/velindrecc/patient-information/radiotherapy-information-leaflets/skin-care-during-radiotherapy/
10. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/radiotherapy-for-malignant-skin-diseases

Radiation Therapy Cream Information

1. https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatments-and-drugs/radiotherapy-for-skin-cancer
2. https://www.sath.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Patient-Information-Leaflet-General-Skincare-During-Radiotherapy.pdf