Skin Creams during/after Radiation

At first I used the pure Aloe Vera that  was provided in our  dressing rooms (in the radiation oncology dept).  I would use it right after treatment and then shower the next morning. Sometimes I would use it several times a day but would always shower it off every morning.

When I noticed my skin darkening, peeling, & itching a bit I changed my routine..  So I began using Aquafore which is wonderful. I have cut and pasted a bit about it.  It is sold over the counter in the US.

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Aquaphor® Healing Ointment protects skin to help enhance the natural healing process.  Non-irritating and fragrance-free, it is dermatologist recommended for:

• cracked, dry or chafed skin; and chapped lips
• minor cuts and burns
• sensitive skin
• skin irritations from laser treatments and radiation therapy

Dermatologist Recommended

Aquaphor® Healing Ointment From Eucerin®

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Later, I started using Bag Balm with the radiologists blessing.  It has a long history and was not originally intended for what people use it for now.  It is also highly recommended for diaper rash since it works fast and well. It helped so much.

I have cut and pasted a bit about it here:

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Bag Balm is a salve originally intended to soothe irritation on cows' udders. Although the product only mentions use "For chapped conditions and superficial abrasions" it is used as a treatment for chapped and irritated skin on humans and can be found in drug stores and ski resorts. It has also gained popularity as a post-tattoo skin soother.

Country singer Shania Twain is noted for using Bag Balm as a personal beauty product as is supermodel Carmen Dell'Orefice, who mentioned her use of the product in her 2008 Telegraph interview.

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I always showered everything off every morning prior to going for my rads so that I would be oil and creme free.  I am now finished with rads and my skin is soft and smooth. 

Patoo, the absolute best deodorant is Lavilin because you only use it every 5 to 7 days and it leaves no film like the clear sticks.  It only leaves the film when you first put it on.  After you shower the next morning, it is still busy working but there is no film left.  This is important since you can't wear deodornat with rads.

My radiologists even recommend and approve of it.  It is all naural ingredients and you only have to apply it once every 7 days. I would apply it on the weekends and it would last for my 5 days of treatment.......no problem.  It works on a different principle than other deodorants since it does not cover odor or clog pores.  Rather, it destroys odor causing bacteria.  It is safe and mild....no aluminum.  No Chemicals!!!!  Even though I am through with rads, I still use it.  DH likes it because he can kiss my arms all over and never get the taste of deodorant since it leaves no film............he gets only the taste of me .

You can buy it at most health food stores in the US.  I get mine on Ebay.

I cut and pasted this info for you:

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A single application of Lavilin, eliminates odor for up to 7 days!

Eliminates perspiration odor at the source by killing odor-causing bacteria. Safe deodorants - do not interfere with bodily functions. Alumimum and alcohol free. Contains Arnica and Calendula - known for their anti-bacterial properties. Chamomile - Soothes skin. Clinically and dermatologically tested and found to be effective

Patoo, it is the same as. Vaseline is one Brand name and Aquaphor is another.  For some reason, docs seem to want to recommend Aquaphor the most for burns.  You might have to dispense with your bra while you heal.  If you wear wired ones the wires rub the skin and irritate it.

The Bag Balm works best and fastest.

Patoo, in my case, only underneath fold  of my breast was excoriated by the bra.  Any part of your breast/ chest that the bra rubs against can be affected this way.  I also lost some skin where the bra rubbed against the outer aspect of my under arms.  My skin began changing after the 2nd seek of rads.  For some reason, it was never actually tender or painful just darkened and excoriated in those areas that the bra rubbed against.  Sometimes the skin will not only darken but appear to be burned.  Mine did not blister but I know of others who have.

Camisoles are glorified T shirts.  They are ok but do not lend the support of a bra.  If you are going braless, as I did, they do help cover & camoflauge the nipples, etc.

Be pro active, especially if your rad specialist is more accustomed to dealing with 'white' skin.  Our skin is different, and sometimes heals differently......for example, some of us tend to scar and keloid more easily, whereas 'white' skin does not tend to do that as much.  Be sure your rads specialist is knowledgeable regarding the special needs of black skin so as to help insure that you heal properly. 

HI everyone,

Just sharing. I was able to wear some old wired bras with wires removed. My doctor told me I would darken...she never mentioned burning...I guess she wanted to keep me calm...but I did burn while darkening,  crisp and peel: One area  became red and raw. She then put me on Vaseline guaze  dressings 24/7 x 5 days followed by Aquaphor and her favorite cream Remedy. I had the last of 8 boosts last Monday and I expect from the condition of the site to crisp and peel.  Thanks for being here.

Mina

This is my experience recently looking for radiation treatment creams and oils:

A healthfood store I patronize seeking fresh organic chicken, vegetables and seasons I inquired about radiation burn treatments and if they carried Aquafore, Bag Balm and Laviln.

A naturpathic manager of the store pointed me in the direction of candular ointment, Emu oil and Crystal deodorant when expressing about Rad treatment. Within these stores, I inquired about Aquafore, Bag Balm and Lavilin.  The latter was taken off shelf as a result of the petroleum ingrediant. Some other stores are following suit. They are shifting away from a Lavilin ingrediant coming from crude oil.

• This is why she refered me to Emu Oil for burns and Crystal (uses sea salts & other ingred) for deodorant. They didn't have bag balm, but I know where else to get this. I wonder what they will say about Bag Balm...

i got a nice sunburn during my radiation therapy.  i couldn't stand to even wear a bra, just a tshirt.  i did use aquafor which the radiation center gave me as well as a lotion called udder cream.  it's been 5yrs and i'm still a shade darker in that area. 

Dolores - I didn't want to go without a bra either but, after about 3-4 weeks of rads I really couldn't stand to wear one. Plus, I think I peeled more when I wore one.

Just completed Rad #2 of 32 and they recommended "Jeans Cream" and gave me a sample, I am also using "Mederma."  I load both on at night. Have any of you tried these?

Diag: 9/2009, DCIS, stage 0, intermediate grade, lumpectomy and re-excision 10/2009

Hello All,

It's been awhile since being on. I'm been through a roller coaster of emotions and now near the end of my Radiation Treatment (chemo ended 8/09). I'll be through with all my treatments and then get checked every 3mos.

Since nearing the end of radiation treatment, I'm burned even after slapping on the rad gels, aquafore and now they gave me a topical steroid. I cry in my sleep after I turn. I'm also on Davocet for the pain. It's unbearable under my arm and breast.

Everyone skin is different to sensitivity of burn pain...I'm highly sensitive.

Grannyromaine,

I am sorry to hear you burned after Rads.  I burned pretty bad too, I continued to just use(a cream called Essence)--it had Vitamin E in it--that can not be found anymore--with the 2nd Rads I just used the ointments the Drs. gave me, it will get better in time.  You may have to limit your clothing on these areas when you can--give 'em lots of air.  Good luck and take care.

Linda C.