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Radiotherapy can cause a skin reaction within the area of treatment and it is important to take care of your skin during treatment. Here are some guidelines on treating your skin during Radiotherapy. These apply to the area of the body being treated:

• Wash with warm water, not too hot or cold.
• Use a soap or shower gel of your choice
• Pat the skin dry, do not rub.
• You can continue to use deodorant, a roll on is recommended if treatment is being given to the upper torso.
• Gently apply a moisturiser twice a day to the area of treatment. You can use any moisturiser that is free from Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. We can give you Diprobase at the start of your treatment.
• Do not use moisturiser on open skin, so if your skin breaks let us know and we can give you a different cream to help heal the broken area.
• Wear loose cotton clothing to avoid extra irritation.

 

We would advise that you avoid the following:

• Wet Shaving
• Hair removal Creams, Waxing, or laser removal
• Extremes in temperature
• Swimming in Chlorinated Pools for prolonged periods
• And do not use Talcum Powder or Sudocrem.

 

During treatment it is important to keep the treated area covered when out in the sun or cold winds due to the sensitivity. It is important not to use sun protection in the treatment area during treatment due to chemicals that it contains. The area will be more sensitive to the sun following treatment and it will be necessary to use a high factor sun protector on the area in the future.

 

As the radiotherapy continues to work for approximately 2 weeks after your last treatment you may find your skin reaction continues to develop and worsen in that time. It is therefore important to continue your skin care regime after treatment finishes until your skin reaction has resolved.