How are skin problems treated?
You may notice that your skin in the treatment area may begin to look reddened, irritated, sunburned, or tanned. After a few weeks you may have very dry skin from the therapy. Ask your doctor or nurse for advice on relieving itching or discomfort. With some kinds of radiation therapy, treated skin may develop a “moist reaction,” especially in areas where there are skin folds. When this happens, the skin is wet and it may become very sore. It’s important to notify your doctor or nurse if your skin develops a moist reaction. They can give you some suggestions on how you can keep these areas dry. During radiation therapy you will need to be very gentle with the skin in the treatment area. Avoid irritating treated skin. When you wash, use only lukewarm water and mild soap. Don’t wear tight clothing over the area. It’s important not to rub, scrub, or scratch any sensitive spots. Also avoid putting anything that is very hot or very cold, such as heating pads or ice packs, on your treated ski
You may notice that your skin in the treatment area is red or irritated. It may look as if it is sunburned, or tanned. After a few weeks, your skin may be very dry from the therapy. Ask your doctor or nurse for advice on how to relieve itching or discomforts. Do not use any skin creams that you have not discussed with your treatment team. With some kinds of radiation therapy, treated skin may develop a “moist reaction,” especially in areas where there are skin folds. When this happens, the skin is wet and it may become very sore. It’s important to notify your doctor or nurse if your skin develops a moist reaction. They can give you suggestions on how to care for these areas and prevent them from becoming infected. During radiation therapy, you will need to be very gentle with the skin in the treatment area. The following suggestions may be helpful: • Avoid irritating treated skin. • When you wash, use only lukewarm water and mild soap, and pat dry. • Do not wear tight clothing over the
You may notice that your skin in the treatment area is red or irritated. It may look as if it is sunburned, or tanned. After a few weeks your skin may be very dry from the therapy. Ask your doctor or nurse for advice on how to relieve itching or discomfort. With some kinds of radiation therapy, treated skin may develop a “moist reaction,” especially in areas where there are skin folds. When this happens, the skin is wet and it may become very sore. It’s important to notify your doctor or nurse if your skin develops a moist reaction. They can give you suggestions on how to care for these areas and prevent them from becoming infected. Other tips on skin care can be found in the section on external radiation therapy. During radiation therapy you will need to be very gentle with the skin in the treatment area. The following suggestions may be helpful: • Avoid irritating treated skin. • When you wash, use only lukewarm water and mild soap; pat dry. • Do not wear tight clothing over the area
You may notice that your skin in the treatment area may begin to look reddened, irritated, sunburned, or tanned. After a few weeks you may have very dry skin from the therapy. Ask your doctor or nurse for advice on relieving itching or discomfort. With some kinds of radiation therapy, treated skin may develop a “moist reaction,” especially in areas where there are skin folds. When this happens, the skin is wet and it may become very sore. It’s important to notify your doctor or nurse if your skin develops a moist reaction. They can give you some suggestions on how you can keep these areas dry. During radiation therapy you will need to be very gentle with the skin in the treatment area. Avoid irritating treated skin. When you wash, use only lukewarm water and mild soap. Don’t wear tight clothing over the area. It’s important not to scrub, or scratch any sensitive spots. Also avoid putting anything that is very hot or very cold, such as heating pads or ice packs, on your treated skin. Do
You are very likely to notice dry or itchy skin in any area getting radiation treatment. It is crucial that you do not rub, scrub or scratch sensitive spots. Don’t try any powders, creams, salves, or other home remedies while you’re being treated-or for several weeks afterward (unless approved by your Radiation Oncologist). Many over-the-counter products for the skin, such as lotions or petroleum jelly leave a coating that can interact with radiotherapy. Often Radiation Oncologists suggest using cornstarch if excess moisture is a problem. You may develop a sunburned look-redness or tanning-and your skin may turn a shade darker than normal. You should avoid exposing treated areas to the sun both during and after treatment, and use sunblock. The majority of skin reactions due to radiation therapy should go away a few weeks after treatment is finished. In some cases, though, darkened skin areas will remain. Tell your Radiation Oncologist if your skin cracks, blisters, or becomes too moist
