Radiation Treatment and Your Delicate Skin

Radiation treatment is designed to target cancer cells, but the beam has to travel through your skin (and other structures) to reach it's intended destination. So this large, but delicate organ of the body is subject to the action of ionization radiation. This is an effective treatment that incapacitates the cancer cells by damaging their DNA and preventing them from replicating. However, this same action can impact the healthy cells it comes in contact with, albeit a small number. It is known that healthy cells recover better than cancer cells, but the high rate of turn over in your skin makes these cells particularly sensitive to burning and irritation. This is why skin care during radiation treatment should be a high priority. If the skin becomes too dry or burned it may crack and expose the skin to possible infection, a major problem for individuals whose immune systems are compromised.

So what should you look for if you are being treated with radiation? Be certain that your doctor knows if your skin is becoming red, irritated or unusually dry. It is less likely, but also possible that your skin may become too moist in skin fold areas which can consequently create excessive dryness and cause soreness and infection. Staying on top of these and treating the skin properly may help you avoid an issue before it starts. Use these tips to care for your delicate skin...

- Steer clear of lotions that use alcohol or glycerin
- Use gentle, nondeodorant soaps on your skin
- Be certain to use a broad-spectrum sunblock of SPF-15 or greater (visit our blog on sunscreen to find information on safe and effective sun block @ http://healthlinksclinic.blogspot.com/2009/08/whats-in-your-sunscreen.html )
- Do not use extreme heat or cold over the effected area
- Wear loose, cotton clothing over the treatment area
- Do not rub the skin to dry
- When being treated for breast cancer, do not shave your underarms
- To control or prevent dermatitis and burning, use Tulipan Lotion or a calendula ointment




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