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All patients
treated with radiation therapy will experience some degree of skin
reaction in the treatment area (within the markings on your skin).
The most common skin changes are dryness and redness. It is possible
far some patients to have blistering.
Your skin is
especially sensitive while you are receiving radiation treatments.
The nurses and therapists have samples of skin care products your
doctor would like you to use on your skin during treatments. We
use these particular products because they do not contain alcohol
or preservatives that will irritate your skin.
Remember you
will experience skin changes only in the area being treated with
the radiation. Feel free to use your home skin care products everywhere
but in the treatment area. If you have any questions about where
you can apply lotions, please ask your therapist or nurse.
Topics:
Helpful Skin
Care Hints To Use During Treatments
- Use gentle
soap when bathing. After rinsing, pat skin dry. Avoid any friction
in the treatment area.
- Avoid tight
fitting clothes or harsh fabrics against area being treated. Wear
soft, cotton clothing when possible.
- Avoid sun
exposure to treatment area and protect it with clothing such as
long sleeve shirts, hats or scarves. Protect your skin by using
a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, and if possible, one that is
lanolin and alcohol free.
- Avoid extreme
temperature changes (very hot or very cold) to the treatment area,
such as ice packs or heating pads.
- Do not shave
in the treatment area except with an electric razor. If aftershave
lotion is used, select a brand that has no alcohol.
- Do not use
deodorant in the treatment area. You may use some cornstarch or
baking soda in your underarms if needed.
- Check your
skin daily for blisters. Report any to the nurse before treatment.
USE:
Products You
Can Use On Your Skin In The Treated Area
- Aquaphor
Cream
- Biafine
RE
- Keri Lotion
- 100% Aloe
Vera Gel
AVOID:
Products To
Avoid Using On Your Skin In The Treatment Area
- Lotions
with alcohol
- Steroid
Creams
- Medicated
creams for sore muscles
If
you have any questions about taking care of your skin during treatments,
please ask a nurse.
MANAGING SKIN
REACTIONS
You may develop
a dry or moist skin reaction from the radiation treatments. All
new patients should use Aquaphor Cream or Biafine RE radiodermatitis
emulsion on their first day of radiation and through the completion
of their radiation treatments to protect against skin reactions.
Use these creams seven days a week while receiving radiation treatments.
If
your skin is Red and Moist, please check with the nurse.
Here are things
we would like you to do to take care of skin reactions if they develop:
1.
Protection Against Skin Reactions and/or Dry, Itchy Skin:
You may use Aquaphor Cream or Biafine RE radiodermatitis emulsion.
- For the
aquaphor cream: Gently massage a small amount of Aquaphor
Cream to the treatment area three times a day, seven days a week.
Begin applications immediately following first radiation session.
Do not apply Aquaphor Cream within four hours of a radiation session.
It is important that your skin is clean and dry before and during
the treatment. If you are unsure whether your skin is dry enough,
simply wipe the treatment area gently with a soft tissue before
your radiation treatment.
- For
the Biafine RE radiodermatitis Emulsion: Gently massage Biafine
RE into the irradiated area, three times per day, seven days a
week. Begin applications immediately following first radiation
session. Do not apply Biafine RE within four hours of a radiation
session. It is important that your skin is clean and dry before
and during the treatment. If you are unsure whether your skin
is dry enough, simply wipe the treatment area gently with a soft
tissue before your radiation treatment.
2.
Dry and/or red skin (Dry desquamation/Erythema) You may use
Aquaphor Cream or Biafine Re radiodermatitis emulsion
- For the
Aquaphor Cream: Gently apply a small amount of cream to the
affected treatment area three times a day, seven days a week.
Do not apply Aquaphor Cream within four hours of a radiation session.
It is important that your skin is clean and dry before and during
the radiation treatment. If you are unsure whether your skin is
dry enough, simply wipe the treatment area gently with a soft
tissue before your radiation treatment.
- For the
Biafine RE radiodermatitis emulsion: Gently massage Biafine
Re cream on and around the affected treatment area, three times
day seven days a week. Do not apply Biafine Re cream within four
hours of a radiation session. It is important that your skin is
clean and dry before and during the radiation treatment. If you
are unsure whether your skin is dry enough, simply wipe the treatment
area gently with a soft tissue before your radiation treatment.
If
you have any questions regarding these skin care instructions please
see the nurse!
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