Radiation therapy is a technique commonly used in the treatment of a number of different cancers. It involves the controlled application of X-ray energy at the site of a cancerous growth and may be used either internally or externally. When radiation therapy is applied externally, it carries the risk of creating skin burns, as well as other skin changes.
Understanding Radiation Therapy-related Burns
If you undergo a course of external radiation therapy, you will likely be treated several days a week for a period of several weeks. During each individual treatment, your radiation therapist will use a large, specialized machine to deliver X-ray radiation to the site of your cancer. This radiation will break down and kill the individual cancer cells, and reduce or limit the overall size of your tumor. As much as possible, your radiation therapist will limit the treatment beam to your cancerous cells, but inevitably healthy skin cells are also affected.
The American Cancer Society cites several common skin burn-related changes caused by external radiation therapy. These include swelling, blistering, redness, irritation and a darkening similar to a suntan. As your treatment progresses, your skin may also begin to flake, itch or peel away. Typically, these symptoms will persist during your therapy, and fade away in the weeks following the end of treatment. In some cases, healing may take longer, and any changes to your skin color may become permanent.
Skin Burn Relief
There are several methods available to cope with skin burn during your radiation therapy. Begin by resisting any urge to scratch or pick at the affected areas of your skin. If you wish to relieve your discomfort through the use of lotions, ointments or any similar product, make sure to speak with your doctor first. Many common skin soothers will actually add to your level of irritation, and in some cases they can also alter the effects of your radiation dosage. You will also need to avoid unapproved use of these products for several weeks after your treatment ends. Additionally, you should avoid any cold or heat treatments unless you are given specific approval to use them.
When you bathe the affected areas of your skin, make sure the water you use is only lukewarm. Ask your doctor about suitable mild soaps, and make sure not to scrub your treatment area. Doing so can irritate your skin and erase the markers on your skin used to guide your radiation therapist.
Avoid wearing tight clothing over your affected skin. Also make sure to keep your treatment area out of direct sunlight. If you cannot avoid sun exposure, make sure to wear protective clothing. Typically, you will need to continue sunlight avoidance for at least a year after your treatment ends. You will also need to avoid use of tanning beds during this time.
If your treatment affects a part of your body you need to shave, check with your doctor before proceeding. As a rule, you should avoid any pre-shave or after-shave products, as well as chemical hair removers.
Tags: your skin, your treatment, make sure, your radiation, radiation therapist, radiation therapy
