So what should I do after radiation therapy? I recommend using gentle cleansers, applying vaseline or Aquaphor often, and, of course, a lot of sunscreen. It is especially important to protect your skin during this time, as your cells are regenerating and healing from the treatment.
- Wash the treated skin gently every day with warm water. ...
- Use a gentle, low-pH cleanser if you need to cleanse. ...
- Ignore the lines drawn on your skin. ...
- Avoid shaving the treated skin. ...
- Apply moisturizer every day as directed.
How should you eat after radiation?
In most cases for systemic radiation treatment, the safety precautions must be followed only the first few days after treatment. Here are examples of things you might be told to do if you're getting systemic radiation treatment: Wash your laundry separately from the rest of the household, including towels and sheets.
What foods help with radiation?
You may find that you still need extra rest after your therapy is over while your healthy tissues are recovering and rebuilding. Keep taking naps as needed and try to get more sleep at night. It may take some time to get your strength back, so resume your normal schedule of activities gradually.
What to expect during and after radiation treatments?
May 25, 2017 · Fighting infections from non-healing chest wounds (often associated with breast cancer survivors, post-radiation therapy) Decreasing any swelling or inflammation in the affected area Reducing any discomfort or chronic pain caused by …
How long does it take to recover from radiation treatment?
Oct 05, 2017 · After treatment for cancer, you're likely to be more aware of how your body feels. If you notice any unusual symptoms, be sure to discuss them with your doctor, says Dr. Wilson. These include: Pain that doesn't go away, especially if it's always in the same place. Lumps, bumps, or swelling. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite.
What should you put on your skin after radiation?
What cream is good for radiation burns?
What is the next treatment after radiation therapy?
Is Vaseline good for radiation burns?
Is coconut oil good for radiation burns?
How do you treat radiation burns naturally?
- Wash your irritated skin with mild soap and lukewarm water.
- Don't rub or scratch your irritated skin.
- Don't use heating pads or ice on your treatment area.
- Use moisturizing cream as directed.
What should I avoid after radiation?
Should you rest after radiation treatment?
How do you know radiation is working?
Can I take a bath after radiation therapy?
How do you treat radiation wounds?
What to do after radiation therapy?
When your radiation therapy is complete, you will meet with your radiation oncologist for follow-up. Your next steps after that may include: Meeting with other care teams for additional treatment, if needed. Meeting with the cancer survivorship team for supportive care.
How long does it take to see a doctor after radiation?
You will meet with your doctor 3 to 6 weeks after you complete your radiation treatment course. Your doctor will ask you how you are doing, assess your progress, and offer additional care and guidance.
How long does it take to see a radiation oncologist?
You will meet with your radiation oncologist about 3 to 6 weeks after you complete your radiation treatments.
Do side effects of radiation go away?
If you experience side effects from your radiation therapy, please tell your care team. Sometimes, the side effects go away when your treatment is finished. If not, we can provide prescription medications or other suggestions to help you manage side effects. Published June 2019.
Can you get radiation for oropharyngeal cancer?
In oropharyngeal cancer care, radiation therapy usually follows primary treatment with surgery or drug therapy. For people who have hormone receptor-positive oropharyngeal cancer, hormone therapy after radiation therapy can reduce the risk of recurrence. If hormone therapy is part of your treatment plan, you will meet with the medical oncology team to discuss the next phase of your treatment. The medical oncology team may take over managing your oropharyngeal cancer care, including follow-up visits.
What is the follow up care for radiation oncologist?
Follow-up care might include more cancer treatment, rehabilitation, and counseling.
What to do if you can't get relief from cancer?
Because fear and worry can make pain worse, you may find that relaxation exercises are helpful. Other methods such as hypnosis, biofeedback, and acupuncture may be useful for some cancer pain.
Why do doctors check radiation?
These checkups are necessary to deal with radiation side effects and to detect any signs of recurrent disease. During these checkups your doctor will examine you and may order some lab tests ...
How long after radiation treatment can you have skin problems?
For instance, you may have skin problems for several weeks after your treatments end. Continue to be gentle with skin in the treatment area until all signs of irritation are gone.
What can a nurse do after a skin treatment?
You may find that you still need extra rest after your therapy is over while your healthy tissues are recovering and rebuilding .
When was Radiation Therapy and You published?
Reprinted from Radiation Therapy and You: A Guide to Self Help During Cancer Treatment, developed by the United States National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute, September 1999.
Is radiation therapy painful?
Radiation therapy is not painful. However, some radiation side effects may cause discomfort. In addition, when radiation is used for palliation, some discomfort or pain may remain. Sometimes patients need help to manage cancer pain. Over-the-counter pain medicine may be enough for mild pain.
What to do after radiation treatment?
Once your course of radiation therapy is finished, continuing to take good care of yourself is essential. No matter what type of cancer you've had, you will need regular checkups and perhaps lab tests and X-rays to determine how successful the treatment was and if you need additional therapy.
How to help pain after radiation?
Some patients need help managing pain that can sometimes result at the treatment site after radiation therapy. You should not use a heating pad or warm compress to relieve pain in any area treated with radiation. Mild pain medicine may be enough for some people. If you have severe pain, ask the doctor about prescription drugs or other methods of relief. Be as specific as possible when telling the doctor about your pain, so you can get the best treatment for it. If you are unable to get relief from pain, you may want to talk with a doctor who is a pain specialist. Because pain can be worse when you are afraid or worried, it may help to try relaxation exercises. Other methods such as hypnosis, biofeedback and acupuncture may be helpful too.
What is the follow up for radiation therapy?
“During your follow-up care, your doctor may recommend more cancer treatment, rehabilitation and counseling, depending on how you are coping and how your body is responding to your cancer care ,” says Lynn Wilson, MD, a Yale Medicine radiation oncologist who is the vice chair of Therapeutic Radiology and a professor of therapeutic radiology and dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. Most patients return to their radiation oncologist for regular follow-up visits. Others are referred back to their primary care doctor, to a surgeon, or to a medical oncologist—a doctor who is trained to give chemotherapy (treatment with anticancer drugs). The kind of follow-up care you need will depend on the kind of cancer you have and on other treatments that you previously underwent or may need going forward.
What kind of doctor do you go to for radiation?
Others are referred back to their primary care doctor, to a surgeon, or to a medical oncologist— a doctor who is trained to give chemotherapy (treatment with anticancer drugs).
What to do when you are afraid of pain?
Because pain can be worse when you are afraid or worried, it may help to try relaxation exercises. Other methods such as hypnosis, biofeedback and acupuncture may be helpful too.
How do you know if you have cancer?
After treatment for cancer, you're likely to be more aware of how your body feels. If you notice any unusual symptoms, be sure to discuss them with your doctor, says Dr. Wilson. These include: 1 Pain that doesn't go away, especially if it's always in the same place 2 Lumps, bumps, or swelling 3 Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite 4 Unexplained weight loss 5 A fever or cough that doesn't go away 6 Unusual rashes, bruises or bleeding
What to do when you are ready to return to work?
When you are ready to return to work, it is important to learn about your rights regarding your job and health insurance. If you have any questions about employment issues, contact the Cancer Information Service or the American Cancer Society. They can help you find local agencies that respond to problems cancer survivors sometimes face regarding employment and insurance rights.
What to wear when you have radiation?
Wear loose-fitting clothes. You can develop side effects if clothing rubs against skin that been treated with radiation. Wearing loose-fitting clothing helps to prevent these side effects.
How to reduce side effects of radiation?
You can reduce the risk of side effects by following these tips: Wash the treated skin gently every day with warm water. Washing helps remove bacteria from your skin, which can cause an infection.
How to avoid skin irritation from radiation?
To avoid irritating your skin, skip the washclothes, sponges, and loofahs. Instead, use your hands to gently splash water on the treated skin.
How to protect skin from radiation?
During radiation therapy: Be gentle and protect your skin. You want to start doing the following on the day you begin radiation therapy and continue until you’ve stopped radiation and your skin feels normal. Bathing and shaving: Skin can become very sensitive during radiation therapy.
How long after radiation treatment do you have side effects?
Some side effects occur weeks, months, or years after your last radiation treatment. This can happen even if you had no side effects during treatment. To catch these side effects early, dermatologists recommend the following: Watch your treated skin for signs of change.
What to do if you don't remember sunscreen?
Your care team will recommend skin care products that you can use, including sunscreen. If you don’t remember getting a recommendation for sunscreen, ask someone on your care team which sunscreen you should use. Seek shade when outdoors.
Can you put hot or cold on your skin?
Spending time at home: Until therapy is over and your skin feels normal, dermatologists recommend the following: Don’t put anything hot or cold on your treated skin. A heating pad or ice pack may seem like a good idea, but anything that’s hot or cold can irritate your skin. Protect your treated skin while doing chores.
How to treat radiation burns?
Choose skin care products that are nourishing and non-toxic: When treating radiation redness, burns, dryness and flaking, you’ll feel more comfortable and recover more quickly when using natural, nourishing ingredients rather than petroleum-based ingredients. Mineral oil and related ingredients may cover and seal in moisture, but they provide no additional healing properties. Chemical preservatives and fragrances can also contribute to irritation and dryness, and may cause painful reactions, particularly if you have sensitive skin—which most people going through cancer do. CV Skinlabs moisturizing formulas contain aloe, calendula, and anti-itch oat extract, as well as anti-inflammatory and healing ingredients that help soothe and restore skin to its optimum health and vitality.
What are the side effects of radiation treatment?
Common side effects of radiation treatment on the surrounding skin include the following: Peeling skin. Itchy skin. Red, painful skin. Dry, flaky skin.
What is the best spray for burning?
Calendula is also a good one for soothing burned areas. Our Rescue + Relief Spray is perfect for instant relief of burning sensations and itchiness, particularly if you keep it in the refrigerator. Moisturize, moisturize: Continue to moisturize the area after treatment.
How to cool a burn?
To cool burns: Try pure aloe gel that’s been cooled in the refrigerator. If you have access to the plant itself, cut off a piece and place the fleshy side directly on the burn. You can also check with your doctor about cooling gel packs. Some cancer survivors recommend emu oil and tamanu oil for soothing and moisturizing. Calendula is also a good one for soothing burned areas. Our Rescue + Relief Spray is perfect for instant relief of burning sensations and itchiness, particularly if you keep it in the refrigerator.
How to treat dry skin?
Avoid harsh products: Stay away from all exfoliating products and acids, acne products, alcohols, anti-wrinkle creams, chemical peels, and the like. Use only gentle cleansers and moisturizers on your treated skin.
How long does it take for a skin color to change after radiation?
These types of side effects usually show up within the first 2 weeks of starting radiation therapy and may continue to develop throughout the treatment. Once the treatment is over, the skin will take a while to heal, but will eventually get better. The darkening, however, may last longer than that, up to several months. Sometimes there will be some lasting and permanent color changes.
What are the side effects of mastectomy?
Some people don’t experience any skin reactions to treatment, others have mild reactions, and still others may have more severe reactions. The risk of skin side effects increases if: 1 You have a fair complexion. 2 You have large breasts. 3 You’ve had recent chemotherapy. 4 You’re receiving radiation after mastectomy, and the treatment is a high dose.
How to protect your skin from radiation?
Protect your skin from the sun. Think how painful a sunburn might be on irradiated skin. Cover up. Wear a hat. Stay in the shade. Don’t scrub your skin. This is not the time for loofahs and exfoliants. And if you’re getting head radiation, I’d imagine the last thing you’d want is a facial.
What to do when your skin peels off?
You itch, but you’re not supposed to scratch. You’ve probably heard some of the more common advice: Wear loose-fitting clothes. Keep your skin moisturized.
Can you wear makeup on a skin treatment?
Don’t wear makeup, perfume, or deodorants on the areas being treated. Most of these are common sense, of course. But here are some things that don’t always get across: If you don’t like the skin products that your doctor recommends, ask to try something different.
Can you use soap on radiation?
Don’t use them on the affected area. And while lukewarm bathing is good, keep soap away from the affected area unless you want your skin to feel like sandpaper. If your reaction to radiation is more serious, don’t hesitate to tell your doctor. Blog Topics: Treatment. About the Author.
How to treat itchy skin after radiation?
Avoid scratching the skin even if itchy. Report any skin problems to your doctor. 5 Your doctor may be able to prescribe an ointment or cream to reduce discomfort.
How long does radiation therapy last?
For most people, the period of external radiation therapy treatment spans over many weeks. The radiation dosage and the number of treatments are based on a few different factors: 1 The type of cancer 1 2 The size of the cancer 3 The location of the cancer 4 Your general health 5 Any other treatments you may be undergoing 1
What are the factors that determine the amount of radiation therapy?
The radiation dosage and the number of treatments are based on a few different factors: The type of cancer 1 . The size of the cancer. The location of the cancer. Your general health. Any other treatments you may be undergoing 1 . In addition to killing cancer cells, radiation therapy can also damage healthy body tissue around ...
Does radiation kill cancer cells?
In addition to killing cancer cells, radiation therapy can also damage healthy body tissue around the area being treated, which is why you will need to take special care to protect yourself from the potential side effects.
Can radiation cause hair loss?
The types of skin problems that occur as a result of radiation therapy include: These side effects occur in the area being exposed to radiation. People may also lose hair in the area being treated.
Does skin reaction go away after radiation?
Even though most skin reactions go away over time after radiation therapy treatment has ended, there are some cases where the treated skin will stay darker or be more sensitive than it was before treatment. Ask your medical team if you should be protecting your skin with sunscreen at any point and take extra care to be gentle with your skin.
Can you use ice cream after radiation?
Do not apply any cream two hours before or immediately after therapy unless directed by a doctor as some skin cream products may change the radiation dosage that enters the body. Use only lukewarm water cleanse the area during bathing. Do not put heating pads, heat lamps, or ice packs on the treatment area since even hot water may hurt your skin.
Your Final Treatment
- After your last radiation treatment, you will meet with a nurse to review your after-visit summary: 1. Speak with your nurse about how to care for yourself after your radiation treatment. 2. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your radiation oncologist, usually 4 to 6 weeks after your first visit. 3. Make note of our contact information in case y...
Come in For Your Follow-Up Appointment
- You will meet with your radiation oncologist about 3 to 6 weeks after you complete your radiation treatments. 1. Your radiation oncologist may ask you to have another scan (CT, PET, or MRI) before the follow-up appointment. 2. You will meet with your doctor 3 to 6 weeks after you complete your radiation treatment course. 3. Your doctor will ask you how you are doing, assess …
Begin Additional Treatment
- In oropharyngeal cancer care, radiation therapy usually follows primary treatment with surgery or drug therapy. For people who have hormone receptor-positive oropharyngeal cancer, hormone therapy after radiation therapy can reduce the risk of recurrence. If hormone therapy is part of your treatment plan, you will meet with the medical oncology team to discuss the next phase of …
Managing Side Effects
- If you experience side effects from your radiation therapy, please tell your care team. Sometimes, the side effects go away when your treatment is finished. If not, we can provide prescription medications or other suggestions to help you manage side effects. Published June 2019 Stanford Health Care © 2019