The skin in the area where you are being treated can become red, flaky, itchy or sore during treatment. Sometimes it can start to peel or to weep as well.
what can help?
- Wash the area gently with warm water and a non-perfumed soap.
- Don’t use any talcs, perfumes or lotions on the area other than those prescribed by your doctor. Radiotherapy might make your skin sensitive and using products with perfumes or chemicals can irritate it. Also if some chemicals are left on the skin, they can even stop the radiotherapy from working as well as it should. You can use an unscented moisturising cream like aqueous cream or E45 on the area 2 - 3 times a day to stop it from getting too dry.
- Try not to rub the area. Pat the skin dry or if you're putting on a moisturising cream, smooth it on then leave it to sink in.
- Make sure to wear clothes that are loose fitting and that you can take off easily so that your skin isn't irritated.
- You'll be seen by a radiographer or nurse every day during your treatment. If your skin turns red, let them know and they will tell you what to do. Don’t wait until it gets really sore to say anything.
- Take extra care in the sun. The area of skin where you're having your radiotherapy must not be exposed to the sun at all during treatment. It also stays sensitive to the sun for many years. This means you need to take extra care to protect that area. Stay in the shade, use a sun block that is at least Factor 25 and try to keep the area completely covered with a hat or t-shirt. Don’t use tanning salons or sun beds.
