Skincare During Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy can cause skin reactions, including allergies, especially with traditional radiotherapy techniques, higher doses, or on sensitive areas. It's essential to take good care of your skin before, during, and after treatment.

• Maintain Healthy Skin: Ensure your skin is in good condition before starting treatment. If you've had surgery on the area to be treated, make sure the wound is fully healed.
• Avoid Sunburn: Protect the irradiated areas from sun exposure to prevent burns.
• Notify Medical Staff: Inform your healthcare team about any existing skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, before starting radiotherapy.

• Monitor Your Skin: Pay attention to any pain, itching, or changes in your skin. Contact your medical team immediately if you notice any discomfort or abnormalities to prevent infection.
• Wear Soft Clothing: Choose breathable, loose-fitting clothing to reduce friction on the treated area. After showering, gently blot your skin dry instead of rubbing it.
• Avoid Hair Dryers: If your scalp is being treated, skip the hair dryer to minimize irritation. For men receiving treatment in areas with facial hair, avoid shaving or using hair removal products.
• Shower Instead of Bathing: Take showers at a comfortable temperature, around body temperature, to avoid skin irritation.
• Choose Gentle Skincare Products: Avoid products with harsh chemicals, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, or antibiotics, as they can irritate your skin.
• Timing for Moisturizers: Do not apply moisturizers before radiotherapy. While products like Vaseline and water-based creams can soothe discomfort, they can also thicken the skin surface leading to a higher radiation dose to the skin and increasing the severity of skin reaction. If your treatment is in the morning, apply moisturizer the afternoon before. Don't use it the night before or the morning of your treatment. After treatment ends, feel free to use moisturizers as needed.

Skin reactions can show up 10 to 14 days after treatment, so keep taking care of your skin. Follow a good skincare routine for at least two months after your last radiotherapy session.