Anyone use Lavender Oil for treating radiation burns

wendyk55

I'm about to start radiation (simulation is tomorrow, 10/26), and am trying to do all I can to help with side effects from the rads. I've heard that using essential lavender oil is "magic" for burns, but don't know if anyone has been successful with it, and how exactly is it used. Do you use it straight from the bottle (bottle says caution on using any other way than for aromatherapy). Should you always combine with another substance? I've heard you can combine with Aloe Vera - is this the best way? Any experiences with Lavender Oil or ANY other suggestions to help with SE from Rads would be greatly appreciated!

3monstmama

I used Calendula creme throughout my zaps.  I applied it a couple of times a day.  When I went to zaps, I had NOTHING on the zapped area --I waited until after zaps to to do the first application.  I went through zaps with redness and some soreness but only one very very very tiny burn.  I can see using lavender oil to help you stay calm before zaps but I've never heard of anyone using it the way you described.

I was told to avoid anything with oil in it during zaps.  The oil enhances the burn and is very difficult to get off with washing without scrubbing which you don't want to do during zaps.  Yoiu might think yoiu have gotten it all off but there's enough there to enhance the burn.

Make sure you get creme and NOT the Calendula oil. 

Good luck.

cp418

I used pure Aloe Gel (no alcohol) from the Day 1 to to hold off any redness and burns. It was not until teh last week that I had a mild burn and peel where I applied the Calendula cream as well.  I carried a small bottle and applied immediately after rad treatment in the dressing room then again at bed time. Completely wash off prior to each treatment. I've never heard of anyone applying any oil type product.

Husband11

I would suggest avoiding lavender oil if you are ER+.  It is believed to be estrogenic, as is tea tree oil.

stephN

The RO's and their nurses usually have stuff they prefer using.  I couldn't use what my RO uses and have made it almost all the way through using pure shea butter.  I've tried a few other things, but the only thing that worked to soothe and ease the redness was the shea butter.  I'd ask the RO or the nurse about anything you decide to use though.  Mine gave me the go-ahead to try it

Good luck!  Hopefully you'll have very few issues! 

sweetbean

I knew a woman who tried to just use Lavender oil.  It didn't work - she burned badly.  I used emu oil and had great results.  You can order it from Rancho San Diego Emu - google that and the site will come right up.

I did some research on the estrogenic effects of Lavender and I believe that that claim is blown waaaay out of proportion.  I don't think it is a risk.  But then, I am not concerned about phytoestrogens in general, as they do not interact with cells in the same way or activate the same pathways as regular estrogen.   

sweetbean

I also wanted to add - I chose emu oil because everyone woman who used it said, "I used emu oil and I didn't burn."  That was my case, as well.  By the end of the sixth week, I was a bit tan/pink.  My RO said, "you look like you have finished your second week of radiation, not your sixth."  I am continuing to apply it twice a day and will right up until my exchange in Feb.

Leah_S

Wendy, I used aloe vera gel and didn't burn. I had mild radiation dermatitis at the end (itchy rash). I'm sure the aloe vera helped a lot since, during the first week, I noticed what appeared to be sunburn on one side of my neck. I asked the tech how far up the superclavicular rads were and, sure enough, just where the "sunburn" was. I started using aloe vera there also and the pinkness cleared up and didn't return. Since that happened in less than a week after starting rads I don't want to think about what would have happened if I hadn't used the aloe vera.

Best of luck with your treatments.

Leah

Elephant

For those who used Emu oil, how often did you apply it? My MO suggested using Biafine.

Hopeful82014

Hi, Elephant -

I used organic Emu oil at the recommendation of a radiation oncologist who had seen very good results from it. I applied it only at night as it is a bit messy. (I slept in a very loose cami that wouldn't be ruined by the oil.) I showered every a.m. before radiation thus there wasn't any oil left on my skin at time of treatment. I also used chilled 100% aloe vera liquid immediately after each treatment and reapplied it several times a day. Be sure to check that doesn't have any alcohol in it; the pure stuff is more expensive but much better for your skin.

I did get pretty darn pink as well as hot and bothered but I didn't have any peeling, blisters, etc., and my skin recovered extremely well.

Ask the radiation techs to show you exactly where the treatment is aimed so that you don't miss something like your shoulderblades!

In general, you want to listen to your RO's recommendations but some people don't like the recommended creams, etc., and go for something else. I was super paranoid about burns so decided to get lots of advice from people I totally trusted and then added my own touches, such as the chilled aloe vera. Good luck with your treatment and recovery.

Tomichi1

Hi there! I’m just finishing my first week. I’m happy to see these holistic remedies to add in. I’m doing Calendula Cream, Aloe Vera and Lavender Oil mixes with Hempseed Oil. I also bought Frankensence and Peppermint Oils. I’m going to look into Emu Oil. It’s a bit trying “waiting” on side effects. I feel great now. I’m hoping these feelings last.