armpit irritation - need advice

laraby

Hi - 1st radiation treatment and my armpit is very tender. I've got aloe vera gel, radiation gel from rad.onc, etc, but not helping.  It hurts where arm rubs against side of breast. Any suggestions? 

thanks in advance

Abby

Eloise

Abby -- I had some redness starting after my first treatment, though it wasn't tender.  My doc said to take Advil because it's an inflammation, rather than the skin issues that will come up later in treatment.  Hope it settles down for you.  

Sherbear

Hi there, I didn't have any irritation and tenderness until after my 22nd treatment, but boy did it get red and hurt.  I was told to use cool compresses on it, on and off.  It seemed to help, along with wearing loose, soft fabrics and nothing constricting.  Then I started using an aloe based after-burn lotion that I had lying around that works amazingly well for sunburns and within a few days the pain and redness started to subside.  It's not cheap, but it's great quality and it worked.  I worry that it's only your first treatment though and it's only going to get worse.  Maybe your dose could be reduced a bit to protect your skin???  Best of luck.

NannaBaby

Before your treatments, take a shower to wash off all the cream residue. Pat dry and don't apply any cream until after your treatment.  I used Glaxal base, california baby calendula cream, and steroid cream.  I alternated.  I used cetaphil to wash the area, very mild.  keep area dry, wear cotton. 

It should be discussed with dr.  It's unusual to have reaction that soon...