A radiation “burn” or rash is a typical aspect impact of radiation remedy for cancer. It’s additionally referred to as radiation dermatitis. There’s no clear approach to cease it from occurring. However there’s rather a lot you are able to do to maintain your skin in case you get one. Right here’s what it’s essential to know.
Signs
At first, your pores and skin might look:
- Pink
- Irritated
- Swollen
- Sunburned
- Tanned
After a couple of weeks, the pores and skin might:
A radiation burn can vary from gentle to extreme. It is dependent upon issues like which a part of your physique was handled, how a lot radiation you obtained, and the way lengthy. You could be extra prone to get a radiation burn in case you’re additionally doing chemotherapy.
The signs are inclined to go away slowly when you end remedy. In some individuals, handled pores and skin might keep darker and really feel extra delicate.
Remedy
Inform your physician immediately when you have signs of a radiation burn or different pores and skin modifications. They’ll let you know methods to hold the irritation from getting worse and keep away from an an infection.
Continued
There’s no commonplace remedy for radiation burns. Your physician might advocate moisturizing emollient lotions or prescribe steroid drugs that you just put in your pores and skin. Don’t use any OTC pores and skin product with out speaking to your physician first. They want to verify it gained’t irritate the pores and skin or have an effect on your radiation remedy.
Basically, name the physician in case your handled pores and skin:
- Will get worse
- Itches for two or extra days
- Bleeds
- Causes pain or discomfort that retains you from getting sleep
- Kinds blisters, turns vibrant purple, or turns into crusty
- Leaks bad-smelling pus or liquid
Self-Care Ideas
It’s necessary to go further straightforward in your pores and skin whereas it heals. Some issues you are able to do are:
Put on free garments made of soppy, easy materials. Keep away from carrying tight or stiff garments with tough textures over handled pores and skin. Don’t starch your garments, both.
Don’t scratch, rub, or scrub. In case your physician tells you to cowl or bandage the handled pores and skin, use tape that’s made for delicate pores and skin, like paper tape.
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Keep away from ice packs or heating pads. Don’t use them except your physician says it’s OK. These might worsen your pores and skin.
Protect your pores and skin from daylight. It could be extra delicate to the solar’s rays. In the event you can, cowl the handled space with garments which have a darkish coloration or built-in UV safety. Additionally ask your physician or nurse in case you ought to put sunscreen on the handled pores and skin. In the event that they provide the OK, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of not less than 30. Preserve defending your pores and skin from the solar even after you end remedy.
Use lukewarm water and gentle cleaning soap if you wash. Scorching water might harm. Let the water run over your handled pores and skin, and don’t rub it. It’s further necessary to not rub off the ink marks your health care workforce makes use of in your radiation remedy till remedy ends.
Speak to your physician earlier than you shave. In the event you acquired remedy on a furry a part of pores and skin that you just wish to shave, the physician might let you know to make use of an electrical shaver. It may be safer and gentler than a razor blade.
Don’t use skin care products on the handled space. They could trouble your pores and skin. And a few may have an effect on how a lot radiation your physique absorbs. Throughout radiation remedy and for a number of weeks after, discuss to your physician earlier than you employ:
- Powders
- Lotions
- Perfumes
- Deodorants
- Physique oils
- Ointments
- Lotions
- Hair-removal merchandise
- Residence treatments
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