Cleaning areas of Radiation treatment

hdangelbaby

I know what works for one does not work for all, but I did find something that works for me, and may work for others with this dilemma.

Washing areas being treated by radiation.

I have been trying to find a way to wash my breast and armpit withoug irritating the hell out of it.

I found something that works pretty well.

BABY SHAMPOO!!!

lather it up in your hand, very important, then gently apply it to your breast and armpit to get it clean. apply it with your hand too, no washcloths or loofahs or anything like that.

it's so super gentle and the chemicals aren't too much either.

I just wanted to share this with anyone having a struggle figuring out how to wash that area without super irritating it!!

plus i have tattoos instead of stickers so that probably helps too!!!

Petrochick

I use Dove's Sensitive skin body wash (fragrance free) and it hasn't caused any irritation.  I have marks and tape so I have to be careful not to scrub, but like you, I want to get my armpit clean!  Same here - I just lather up my hand and use that as my loofah on my torso area.

Mimidi

Thanks for the two suggestions.  I think either would be real good to use.

Maybe484

I'll be beginning rads soon.  I have paint marks and no tape because I have hypersensitive skin.  Plus, my tumor was in my axilla, and I've had two excisions and a SNB there, so it's hypersensitive as well.  I'm wondering how in the heck I'm going to be fit for public interaction, especially with rads in June and July!  The nurse told me to lather up and just pat the area.  Is that going to do it--especially with fragrance-free soap?

GabbyCal

My RO's office recommends rock crystal for deodorant during rads. They sell it at health-food grocery stores. It works.

No commercial deodorants as the aluminum will irritate your skin. The rock crystal is more effective than the products like Tom's that sell deodorants w/o aluminum.

Hope this helps. Good luck. If no one has suggested it yet, start applying 99-100% pure Aloe Vera Gel 3-4 times a day to the area that will be radiated. This will delay the start of any skin reaction. This isn't the Aloe Vera that they sell at the drugstore by the sunscreen. I found it at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Trader Joes costs about half of what they sell at Whole Foods (AKA Whole Paycheck).

Maybe484

I also found 100% aloe vera at my local WalMart, of all places.  Oddly, my RO's office recommended Udderly Smooth instead of aloe vera, but the fragrance in it is overpowering (I just opened the jar) and makes me very hesitant to use it.

I found a spray-on deodorant called Lafes at Whole Foods (wish we had a Trader Joe's).  I've been using it since my axilla surgeries, and it works fairly well.  It contains only purified water, mineral salts, and aloe extract.

MaryNY

I finished rads over a year ago. I have to second GabbyCal's suggestion. Crystal deodorant is great. I  think it used to be more widely available and found in most supermarkets, CVS, etc. but now you may only find it in the supermarket if they have an area for more natural toiletries. If you want to be able to recognize it amidst the vast array of anti-perspirants/deodorants, Google it or look for Crystal Stick Body Deodorant on Amazon.

I'm very fair skinned and expected to burn during rads but had no burning. I attribute this to frequent use of cornstarch (from supermarket) and aloe vera gel. I found it difficult to find unscented, uncolored aloe vera, but that was in January. At this time of year it should be easy to find. Apply liberally and allow to air dry a minute or two before putting your clothes back on. It's a good idea to carry the aloe vera and cornstarch in your purse so you can apply just after each rads session. For the cornstarch, just pick it up in the supermarket. You can find organic cornstarch at Trader Joes. The big box/ jar will look a bit crude so suggest you empty out an old powder shaker (or salt/spice shaker) and use that.