Prevent your skin from burning during and after radiotherapy

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Radiotherapy: why does it burn?

Radiotherapy is the use of radiation to destroy the tumour or reduce its size. To reach the tumour, it needs to pass through superficial tissue. Although the rays themselves are painless, they can cause inflammation, resulting in a hot sensation or burning in the irradiated area. This is known as “ radiodermatitis ”.

What is radiodermatitis?

In its initial stage, radiodermatitis resembles a severe sunburn (although the mechanism is not the same as a UV-induced burn): the skin is red, dry, hot, swollen and gradually begins to peel. However, ten days after radiotherapy, your burns should start to resolve on their own. In the meantime, you can take action to relieve (and sometimes even prevent) them.

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The radiotherapy really burned me under the breast. I was very close to stopping but was advised to use cream after the radiotherapy sessions. This was valuable advice!

Isabelle

How to calm the inflammation?

There are simple steps and easy-to-use supportive care products to relieve you during your treatments.

Indispensable hydration

Moisturise the treated area every day. Choose an emollient cream and use it after every radiotherapy session (never before). In fact, use your emollient as soon as you start treatment. You will reduce the risk of developing radiodermatitis. On the other hand, avoid products that are too greasy, which could worsen the effect of the rays, and do not apply any cream in the four hours before your session. After the session, and in case of irritation, apply a compress of thermal spring water and, after having dried the skin carefully, generously apply a repairing and protective cream.

Fight perspiration

Sweating promotes radiodermatitis. To reduce the risk of lesions, pay particular attention to the folds (e.g. under the breasts). Opt for loose-fitting cotton clothing and, for women, underwear without underwire to avoid irritation.

FRIENDLY (AND EXPERT) ADVICE

What’s a suitable daily routine for burns?

During your treatment, your skin will be more sensitive. To not exacerbate the effects of radiotherapy, you should take care of it. Soaps, both liquid and solid, are drying and irritating. Instead, turn to cleansing oils or ultra-rich cleansing bars that you apply with your hands without rubbing. Warm showers are preferable to hot baths, which may cause excess heat to the irritated area. Dry yourself gently, dabbing with a clean, soft towel, and paying special attention to the folds that retain moisture (under the arms, neck, groin folds). And don't use any products containing fragrance or alcohol, which can be irritating.

Adopting gentle hygiene during cancer treatment

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The rules of sun exposure

During and in the months following radiotherapy treatment, your skin will be sensitive to sunlight. Firstly: avoid any exposure. Protect the irradiated area and if you really have no choice but to expose yourself to the sun, apply a sun care product that contains a photoprotective complex, with very broad and stable UVB-UVA protection and optimal skin tolerance.

Protecting your skin from the side effects of cancer treatments