Creams and lotions and gels--oh my!

ghostie · May 2010

Been lurking for awhile. Started rads mid-April.

It's fascinating that there are such varied creams/lotions recommendations. My center recommended something called RadX, but I had to order it online because none of the pharmacies carry it. Anyway, here is my little list of all the things I've now heard of being recommended:

1. 98% (or more) pure aloe vera gel
2. Aquafor
3. Calendula lotion
4. Bag balm
5. Udderly Smooth Udder Cream
6. RadX Radiation Therapy cream
7. Miaderm Radiation Relief

And the things I've heard to avoid?

1. Products with oil
2. Products with alcohol
3. Products with heavy fragrance
4. All deodorants except Tom's or Arm & Hammer natural (no aluminum)

So far, I've been putting on pure aloe immediately after rads, then I wait a minute for it to dry. Then I put the Udderly Smooth on. At night I use some Aquafor, and in the morning--before rads--I shower everything off, gently of course. This has been working well for me and I'm a very, very pale redhead who burns and freckles at the slightest bit of sun!

3monstmama · May 2010

Nice list---is it in any particular order?

For the curious, I was told Calendula Cream, not lotion, and I was told to put it on afters Zaps and again 2x more each day. Also nothing with a fragrence at all---this includes washing in the shower so I am using an all natural fragrence free olive oil based foaming soap.

scorp1111 · May 2010

Thank you for your List... Just bought a load of products and most of them have oil in them and are scented...

They are:

Emu Oil

Coconut Calendula Oil (coconut is suppose to cool you down)

Aloe Vera Gel 100%

I was wondering why you are suppose to stay away from oil and fragrance? Thanks for any feedback...

ghostie · May 2010

Hi scorp1111,

My radiation nurse told me that oily substances are generally bad for any kind of burns. And especially not to have any kind of oil remaining on your skin when the actual rads are taking place, because the oil will intensify the radiation (ouch). But I have also heard about Emu Oil being recommended...so there must be exceptions.

It seems like all of us have heard different advice! It would be nicer if the radiation docs and their support staff were all on the same page.

dsj · May 2010

I've been using Jean's Cream (radiation cream, ordered on the internet), as recommended by radiation oncologist. So far (17 out of 25 treatments, including concurrent boost), and no side effects. However, I don't know if it's the cream or just lucky.

scorp1111 · May 2010

Hi Ghostie,

Just had my 4th rads today covered with coconut calendula oil... Ouch.... Just emailed my radiation oncologist to ask his opinion... Will let you know what he says... Couldn't agree with you more... that it would be so much easier if the docs and staffs were all on the same page... Initially i was given a cream by the staff to use, but it was full of parabens...It just is so frustrating that the medical establishment has no clue about nutrition nor carcinogenic ingredients ... What really kills me is on the way out of the cancer clinic there are bowls of candy and a coffee dispenser with loads of artificial sweetener ..... Don't get me started... Sorry, just needed to air a bit here......

BlessedOne2 · May 2010

I finished my rads in March. My center gave me samples of Aquaphor for use during most of treatment and then RadX just before my boosts. I tanned pretty well but didn't burn. Also I think the RadX was helpful when my skin started to peel afterwards - no discomfort at all. Here's hoping that you all finish your tx well.

retrievermom · May 2010

Add vitamin E oil to the list. And xclair and biofine.

I was told that natural aloe from the plant was, by far, the best thing to use, so I'm harvesting a plant. I also like the utterly smooth.

Nothing with petroleum in it, or a drying agent like alcohol. I was told the thing about perfumes was that they may contain a metal base that could interfere with the radiation.

sweatyspice · May 2010

My center gives out Calendula Lotion and Calendula Ointment, but not (as far as I know) the Creme. Not sure about the Ointment, but the Lotion does have alcohol in it.

They claim there was a randomised prospective trial in the UK of 1000 patients and the Calendula Lotion got the best results, so they switched from aloe and biafine to calendula. No idea if that's actually true. They give out bottles (tubes for the ointment) of the Boiron brand Calendula stuff.

CTMOM1234 · May 2010

I finished a few weeks ago and am nearly back to normal, just a very light tan and a little darker along the boost/scar region.

Big thumbs up to BIAFINE, but I had a big advantage in that my place provided Biafine for free throughout the 7 weeks, so that was also a big help. Before I knew that, I went out and bought a big bottle of 98% pure aloe (couldn't find 100% or a plant) but then nurse said not to use anything with alcohol because it is drying, and I didn't use it because there's alcohol listed, albeit toward the end.

Should add that I got rock lobster red in that last week of full-breast treatments, but the Biafine kept the skin from noticeable peeling/scabs/rips/opening. Redness went down during boost and then full breast turned an unattractive dirty color.

I applied it religiously directly after zaps (in the dressing room after slam dunking my robe!), before bedtime, and in the morning (my zaps were in the afternoon, never applied less than 4 hours before treatment, usually more like 6 hours to make sure that skin wasn't shiny/not absorbed).

msmpatty · May 2010

I finished rads on 3/31/10 and used Emu Oil and Miaderm throughout the TX. I definitely got red (especially in the week after the final TX) but never blistered. I continued with twice daily application of the Emu Oil after my TXs were done. After very mild peeling, I was surprised to see that my surgery scars had become nearly invisible. My radiation Onc was very impressed when I saw her for my final check-up earlier this week!

Patty

suzieq60 · May 2010

Scorp1111: You are not supposed to apply cream just before a treatment. There has to be time for the cream to be absorbed by the skin - some say 2 hours, some say 4 hours. No wonder you said ouch. There's a thread on here about a lady who put cream on just before treatments at the advice (incorrect) of her techs - she ended up having a mastectomy because of the damage to her breast!!!!!

I don't apply any cream on the day until after the treatment is over no matter how many hours before - better safe than sorry.

Sue

scorp1111 · May 2010

Thanks Suepen... Definitely won't be doing that one again... Yesterday i went into my local health food store (Vitamin Cottage) and one of the sales people just finished radiation 2 months ago... She was a red head with fair skin and she said that everyone was shocked that she didn't burn or blister at all.. Apparently the remedy is very popular in New Zealand and Australia for burns:

First she applied Emu Oil (only after her treatment), then she applied Manuka Honey in a skin care grade. The product she used is called Medihoney and it comes in a 1.5 oz tube priced at $26.15 per tube (i know that it is expensive)... She used 1 tube a week, 3x a day..First the emu oil.... After she smeared on the honey she placed a gauze pad (one that breathes) over the sticky honey... I know it sounds like a mess, but i have been reading up on why honey is a superior wound dressing (and it washes right off).. The honey has been sterilized by gamma irradiation so it doesn't have bacteria (like other products) . You can read more about the product at manukahoneyusa.com... Just remember that all honey is not equal in their medicinal value... There is a honey board web site: www.honey.com. I ordered mine from Mercy Surgical Dressing Group, Inc 888 637 2912. I ordered 1 tube a week, gauze pads that don't stick and breathe and tape that is good for sensitive skin.. The order was under $200. I will report back after i use the product...

Curious whether anyone has used this remedy?

Just thought i would pass along this info... I was sold after i spoke with this very educated woman at Vitamin Cottage.

Blessings to all.

jteach · May 2010

ghostie-

I finished 6 wks of rads in March. I am very fair skinned and burned badly under my arm. I mean really badly. I used Alra at the suggestion of one of our fellow sisters here and it was a miracle! My skin literally went from purplish black to pink within 7 days. I'll never be without it in my home again. Best of luck to you! Smile

Janice

suzieq60 · May 2010

Scorp1111: I'm glad you read my post, I was really worried you wouldn't see it. I use Aloe Vera gel when I get home from the tx. About half an hour later I use Fauldings Vit E cream and I also use pawpaw cream on my nipple as it has been a bit sore. I repeat several times a day. I'm up to no 21 today and my skin is fine.

Sue

scorp1111 · May 2010

Suepen... Have you heard about the Manuka Honey? It is apparently a big deal in Australia... I am assuming you are living in Australia? Glad that you are almost finished with rads and your skin is fine... Hope to be so lucky...

Take care.

Lorin

kathylev · May 2010

Hi ghostie,

I am a pale, pale redhead too. I just finished rads yesterday and I thought I was surely going to fry and burn, but I did real well. The techs and rad nurses were surprised at how well my skin looked after 33 treatments. I used Xclair cream. It's prescription only and very expensive, but I asked the doctor to write the script for 6 tubes so I only paid one $40 co-pay for all 6 tubes. Like you, I always washed off any lotion before the treatment and applied it in the dressing room right after treatment. I applied it 3 or 4 times a day and also used cornstarch in the fold of my breast to keep it dry. I used a crystal deodorant (it didn't work very well) and went without a bra and was topless as often as possible. Except for the boost area, my breast is almost back to it's normal color already. Hope this is helpful to you. Good luck!

I forgot to mention that if you cannot use xclair if you have any nut allergies.

Kathy

suzieq60 · May 2010

Scorp1111: I have heard of Manuka honey but not as a remedy for what we are going through. The honey comes from New Zealand (my country of birth) and does have marvellous properties. I do hope it works for you. Just DO NOT apply anything for several hours before treatment.

I have just followed the advice of the treatment centre where I go and that seems to be working fine - only 9 to go now!!!

Sue

ghostie · May 2010

Hi Kathy,

I'm actually beginning to think it's a "redhead thing"--because I've talked to/know of several redheads (one in my own family) that survived radiation treatments with exceptionally little burning. Redheads are just a little physically different, I think, and the medical reports about redheads requiring more anesthesia (and responding differently to painkillers) just supports that theory.

I did #12 this morning and have just a little pinkness to show for it. Keeping my fingers crossed! I see the rad doc on Monday and I'm going to ask about the Xclair.

scorp1111 · May 2010

Hi All,

My MediHoney arrived today and i started applying the honey to my breast... it is very sticky and smells like yummy honey (yes it is very messy)... Will give you all an update on how it goes... Already started burning after 7 days and i have olive skin... So it will be a good test...

Been browsing the past posts and saw this wonderful list of products that i thought would be interesting to everyone... You have your choice of natural and some with parbens (personally i am staying away from)... Even the famous Biofine has 2 powerful parbens listed on the ingredients... Hope this helps you...

Wishing you all an easy journey and strength...

Aloe Gel (100% Pure) -Brands: Aloe Life Skin Gel , AloePlex Gel, Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel , CVS Aftersun pure aloe vera , lilly of the desert pure aloe gel or Aloe leaves themselves

Alra Therapy Lotion http://www.alra.com/Aquaphor (made by Lubriderm, some try Lubriderm for a less greasy version)Benzocaine (Itching)BetamethasoneBiafine http://www.drugs.com/pdr/biafine-topical-emulsion.htmlCalendula ointment, cream or lotion -Brands: Boironhttp://www.boironusa.com/ , NatureWorkshttp://www.herbsmd.com/detail/calendula-cream-3879.htm,WeledaCalendula lotion/ Weleda for baby http://usa.weleda.com/our-products/shop/calendula-baby-cream.aspx, Aboca http://www.aboca.com/en/herbshealth/biopomate.aspCarra Gauze pads (burning)Cavilon http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/SH/SkinHealth/brands/cavilon/Coconut OilCortisone/ Cortizone (Itching)DEB SBS 40 medicated skin creamDesoximetasone (Itching, Severe)Domeboro soaks (Itching)Elta cremeEmu oil (pure version)Flamazine cream (prescription)Glaxal Base, by WellskinGlucan Professional Moisturizing Cream , Glucan Pro 3000Grape Seed OilHoneyHydraMeHydrocortisone (Itching)Hydroxyzine (Itching, Severe)Jeans Cream http://www.jeanscream.com/Lidacaine(Itching)Lidex (Itching, Severe)Lindi Body Lotion (http://www.lindiskin.com/)Medline's remedy skin repairMiaderm (http://www.miaderm.com/)MometasomeMy Girls Radiation Cream, http://www.radiationcream.com/ Natures Inventory Radiation Therapy oilRadiacreamRadiagelRadia GuardRadiaPlex GelRadX Radiation TherapyRecovery Cream http://www.recoverycream.com/RegenecareRemedy Skin Repair Cream Remedy Advanced Skin CareSilvadene / silvadyne ?/silver sulfadiazine (Burns)SWEEN CreamUdderly Smooth Udder creamVinegar (esp. Apple Cider Vinegar)Vitamin E creamVigilon (Burns)Xclair

Lynndee61 · May 2010

Hi Scorpio1111,

I start my rads on Monday--7 weeks in the prone position. I did get the Emu Oil and Medi Honey as you described.....wow that stuff is pretty sticky. Just curious how that whole regimen is working for you?

Lynndee61 · May 2010

Hi Kathylev,

I read your post on May 6th about the Xclair cream perscrip. Just wondering if you started from the very begining with that stuff? Also, did you apply it to the entire breast 3 - 4 times a day or just the radiated spot? Maybe that is a stupid question--maybe a person can't tell which spot is being radiated...not sure as I start my 7 weeks on Monday.

Thanks for sharing!!

kathylev · May 2010

Hi Lynndee,

I started applying Xclair 5 minutes after my first treatment and massaged it all over my breast. The first five weeks of treatment the entire breast is radiated. During the boosts they only radiate the area where the tumor was, but I kept massaging it into the whole breast anyway with a bit extra on the boost area. Good luck to you!

Kathy

scorp1111 · May 2010

Hi Lynnedee,

Sorry i haven't replied... Haven't been checking the boards for a while... Made it to the 1/2 way mark yesterday and i have religiously applied the emu oil and MediHoney 3x/ day (after my treatment) and so far so good... My Radiation oncologist is very happy and so am i... I have a slight burn, nothing major and i am hoping the final 3 weeks will not have any major progression of burning... Will definitely report at the end of my treatment. It is definitely sticky, but i find that the gauze pads stick perfectly to the honey and i don't even need to tape them at all... It is important to let the skin breathe... How are you doing so far???

Hoping the the MediHoney works for both of us.. At least i feel that i am not using a cream full of parabens... Oh, and i swear the the MediHoney is helping the lumpectomy scar heal better too...

Take care..

suzieq60 · May 2010

Scorp1111: After I last posted to this thread, I had major skin breakdown under the boob in the crease. I also pulled off some skin where I had taped a panty liner under my boob - no they didn't tell me not to use tape - idiots. I was using Solosite burn gel and then when I finished the rads they told me to use zinc and castor oil cream. Anyway, when I was buying dressings the other day, I got some medi honey here in the drug store. Thought I would try it out as the area where I ripped the skin off wasn't looking too good. After one use it looks so much better. The dressing sticks to it so well - I love it. The rest of the damaged area is starting to look much better too. Not sure if it's because of the medi honey or the zinc cream but I'm happy with the medi honey!!!

scorp1111 · June 2010

Hi Suepen, glad that the medihoney helped heal your damaged area.. MediHoney has incredible natural healing properties so i am not surprised...To everyone else, i promised that i would report on how Medihoney worked for me during my treatment...

I finished last Thursday and the rad oncologist was so pleased with the results (practicing for over 15 years) that he is now ordering MediHoney (cannot vow for any other product except the one i list in the above thread)... My rads were at 11:45am everyday... so i applied the first coating after my rads... I also found a product call emugency, distributed by Montana Emu Ranch Co...1 888 444 4EMU... I sprayed on the emugency, let it dry... than spread a thin layer of MediHoney over the whole area... The honey is thick and sticky enough to keep the gauze pads in place (i unfolded the sheet so it was only a thin layer so it could breathe.. I bought a whole bunch of cheap camisoles (stretchy big kind that could hold my breasts in place ( I am small to med)..I didn't need any tape and i just tucked the gauze pad into my camisoles and yes they did get honey on them, but I just washed them out. I can't praise the products enough. Not only did i not burn, but it helped heal the incision. I am a week out and still applying until i have no sign of tan left. ( i apply 3x day) I am so proud of my radiation oncologist who had his assistant research Biafine (the product that they were giving out i had mentioned to them were full of parabins)... After i finished rads last week the rad oncologists assn't ordered MediHoney for the office to give out to patients... I am so happy that the patients will not have to pay the big $$$ for the product and they have the free option to try it... If anyone has any other questions about the products listed above, they can email me directly...

Blessings and Peace everyone.

LtotheK · June 2010

This sounds great, would love a treatment without the gross additives. How does one go about getting MediHoney?

suzieq60 · June 2010

Scorp1111: I'm glad your rad centre was so impressed. My damaged area healed up in a couple of days thanks to the honey. Don't know if I would have liked the stickiness for the whole treatment time but if it works who can argue.

Sue

Creams and lotions and gels--oh my!

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