Radiation Skin Care Products
"When it comes to radiation, the main skincare concern is usually radiation burn. When you have a burn, you want relief and you want it NOW. That's why we offer our Cooler Pads & Rolls. They deliver instant cooling relief and are infused with aloe to help the skin repair itself."
-Lindy Snider, Cancer Survivor and Founder of Lindi Skin
Patients undergoing radiation treatment commonly suffer from a painful skin condition known as Radiation Burn (Radiation Dermatitis). This is a common side effect in which the skin of the treated area becomes inflamed and irritated. It occurs because radiation therapy not only kills cancer cells, but it can also kill some of the healthy cells within the body. In most cases, damage to the skin occurs within one to two weeks of treatment, but it usually resolves itself once treatment is finished.
One of the best ways to combat post-treatment skin irritation is to initiate a hydrating radiation skin care regimen using quality skin care products that have been clinically-proven to help soothe the skin and ease the pain. You can also do the following to help improve your results:
Skin Care For Radiation Patients Tips
- Keep the skin moisturized and lubricated to prevent itching and cracking of the skin.
- Wash with lukewarm water only, not hot water.
- Avoid hot baths. This will further dry your skin. Take a quick shower instead.
- Pat yourself dry with a towel instead of rubbing your skin.
- Do not rub off the markings your radiation therapist made on your skin. They are necessary to show where to place the radiation.
- Do not use heating pads, ice packs or bandages on the area receiving the radiation.
- Avoid using oils that will reduce the efficacy of radiation treatment.
- Use nonadhesive dressings, as traumatic removal could cause further damage to already compromised skin.
- Do not wear tight clothing around the treated area.
- Avoid using a skin care product immediately before radiation therapy. This could interfere with treatment.
- Choose clothes and bed sheets made of soft cotton.
- Use an electric razor if your doctor or nurse says you can shave.
- Avoid exposing the treated area to the sun while you are being treated.
- Wear sun-protective clothing, especially over the treated area.
- After your treatment is over, ask your doctor or nurse how long you should continue to take precautions from the sun.
Content Produced by Oncology Nursing News in coordination with Lindi Skin.
NOTE: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information provided in this Web site about skin reactions and other medical conditions is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for professional medical advice.