Caring for your skin after radiotherapy

If you are having radiotherapy, you might experience a number of changes to your skin. These changes can range from skin thickening and darkening, to burns and blisters.

There are a number of things you can do to help care for your skin during radiotherapy. The following tips have been shared by health professionals and people who have experienced skin problems as part of their radiotherapy treatment:

• Talk to your breast care nurse or a member of the radiotherapy team about how to look after your skin during and after treatment. Your breast care nurse can also help with dressings if you need them.
• Apply moisturising cream – for example, pure sorbolene – to unbroken skin after each radiotherapy session.
• Some products may make damage to the skin worse if you use them while undergoing radiotherapy. Avoid products containing alcohol, perfumes, dressings or creams containing metals, talcum powder and sun cream. If you're unsure about a product, talk to your treating team.
• Avoid using soap and soap-based washes. Soap-free washes are much gentler on the skin. You can purchase these from a supermarket or pharmacy.
• Avoid using very hot water when showering. Hot water dehydrates the skin and can leave it feeling dry and sore.
• Gently pat your skin dry with a towel. Avoid hard rubbing and rough, abrasive towels.
• Don’t apply any tape or adhesive dressings to the treated skin.
• Avoid exposing the treated skin to direct sunlight by wearing sun protective clothes or use sunscreen over the treated area.
• Avoid irritants — protect the skin in the treated area from damage by abrasion (for example, shaving with a wet razor), chemicals (for example, perfumes, deodorants, hair dyes) and temperature extremes during your course of radiotherapy.
• Whenever possible try to wear loose-fitting cotton clothes. Avoid tight fitting or synthetic clothes that may rub.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid massage to the affected area.

Skin care advice is variable. What works for some people may not work for you. It’s a good idea to ask your radiation oncologist or nurse for advice about caring for your skin.