Radiation therapy can damage healthy skin cells in the treated area, causing skin changes, just like being sunburned. Radioactive skin reactions can be classified according to the SOMA scoring criteria as follows: Grade I reactions: redness and pigmentation of the skin; Second degree reaction: dry peeling of the skin; Third degree reaction: Wet skin peeling, dermal exposure, serum exudation, and pain in the radiotherapy area. The main purpose of skin care is to reduce discomfort in the irradiation field, protect skin integrity, prevent infection, and avoid scar formation.

During radiotherapy

The skin changes that occur vary for each individual, depending on:

  Body parts receiving treatment
  Radiation dose received
  Do you take certain medications at the same time
  Do you have other diseases, such as diabetes

Skin changes may include:

  Skin color turns red (pink turns bright red)
  Feel hot
  Dry, itchy, prone to peeling or sensitivity of the skin
  Pain or swelling, suppuration
  Dampness, blistering, bleeding

How long will skin changes last?

The skin usually undergoes changes within 10 to 14 days after the start of radiation therapy.
During treatment, these changes will become more severe.
After about one week of treatment, the skin changes are most severe.
Afterwards, the skin usually begins to improve.
After 4 to 6 weeks of radiotherapy, the skin will recover.

How to care for the skin of the treated area

  Keep the skin of the radiotherapy field clean
  Use warm water and mild odorless soap (such as Neutrogena) ®、 Dove ®、 Baby soap, Basis ® Or Cetaphil ®） Gently clean the skin of the treated area and rinse thoroughly after washing.
  Gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel, do not wipe it dry.
  Take a short shower and shower, choose water or cold water with the appropriate temperature.
  If the skin itches, try a saline bath.
  Use moisturizer, cream or lotion to moisturize the skin at the treatment site.
  Starting from the first day of treatment, replenish water at least twice a day.
  Try to store the hydration solution in the refrigerator to soothe the skin.
  Do not apply cleansing water or hydration solution within two hours before treatment.

Treatment of radiation dermatitis

Dry dermatitis can be treated with topical application of biafen 2-3 times to protect the skin of the radiotherapy field; For local exudative skin reactions, the damaged area of the skin can be exposed to keep it dry, or drugs with astringent effects can be applied to the damaged area to make it dry and heal. When there is a large area of skin damage, radiotherapy should be stopped and symptomatic treatment should be taken. When combined with infection, anti infection measures should be taken to keep the wound clean and dry, in order to facilitate healing. Even if there is only minor trauma, such as erythema and dry scaling, treat according to the guidelines and apply hydrogel or steroid ointment. Wet peeling should also be treated according to the above methods, and non adhesive dressing or foam dressing should be used to manage the wound environment and cover the upper mouth. The overall principle is to prevent fluid evaporation, control pain, and reduce the risk of infection.
During radiotherapy, certain products are not allowed to be used as they can cause more severe skin changes.

  Aluminum containing deodorant
  Talcum powder
  Aftershave water
  Cosmetics
  Ointments and creams containing metals or petroleum
  Sunscreen
  Alcohol
After the radiotherapy, you may be able to use these products again.

For radiation therapy parts of the body, it is important to avoid:

  Wipe the skin
  Wearing tight fitting clothing
  Shaving with a razor blade (please use an electric razor)
  Use paraffin or hair removal cream
  Use any patch (including painkillers)
  Use adhesive tape (same as ointment)
  Make the treated area very hot or very cold (such as hot or cold compress)

How to care for the skin after radiotherapy?

1. If the treated area is dry, red, or itchy, and the skin is not damaged, continue to use rehydration solution multiple times a day until recovery.
2. If the skin is damaged and there are damp areas, the treatment team will advise you on how to take care of the affected area.
3. Protect yourself from direct sunlight.
4. Put on your hat.
5. Wear loose cotton clothing.
6. Use high protection factor sunshades
7. Try to stay in a cool place.