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You may develop skin reactions while receiving radiation therapy. These reactions occur because x-rays must pass through the skin to reach the location to be treated. Special care of the skin in the treatment area is important to help prevent or minimize skin reactions. The skin in the area of the radiation beam may begin to look pink or red as if ti were sunburned or suntanned. Your skin may feel irritated or sore and may peel. Dry or peeling skin reactions are a result of temporary damage to the sweat or oil glands.
Temporary skin changes may appear approximately 2 weeks after the start of radiation treatment. These changes typically increase during treatment and remain for approximately 3 weeks following completion of treatment, when they begin to gradually subside. Consult your radiation oncology physician or nurse if you notice the following changes on your skin: redness, rashes, increasing dryness, any drainage or unexplained bruising.
Self care measures:
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Do not use heating lamps or pads, ice packs, hot water bottles, or anything besides warm water directly on your skin. Your skins ability to tolerate heat or cold without skin damage is lowered in the area being treated. |
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Use mild, moisturizing, unscented, non-deodorant soaps while bathing. Avoid scrubbing or vigorous wiping with a towel.
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Do not use adhesive tape or Band-Aids on the area being treated.
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Until the completion of your treatments, wear loose fitting, soft clothing whenever possible. Avoid clothing that rubs or constricts the area of treatment. Fabric made of 100% cotton is usually recommended; use of starch is not recommended. |
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It is recommended that you do not shave in the areas of treatment. However, if this is not a possibility, use an electric razor. Radiation therapy will lessen hair growth in the treated areas. Do not use preshave or aftershave lotion.
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Apply only deodorants and lotions recommended by your nurse or physician at this facility. These products may contain metal bases that could interfere with the absorption of radiation.
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Keep your nails short. If the skin in the treated area begins to itch or cause discomfort, DO NOT SCRATCH. Report the situation to the nurse or physician at this facility.
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While undergoing treatment, do not expose the treated area to strong sunlight, sun lamps, cold temperatures or harsh winds. Sun exposure is the most intense from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; use sunscreens rated 15 or higher. Protect the area of skin being treated by clothing (e.g., long sleeved cotton shirts, hats). In winter weather, warm clothing is important. After treatment is completed, very strong sunlight should be avoided or enjoyed in limited doses. Use of sunscreens is highly recommended.
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If you swim in saltwater or chlorinated pools, rinse off as quickly as possible.
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Notify your physician/RN if there is any peeling or breaks in the skin.
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