Skin Cream during radiation

Hi All,

 My first post on this site - for what it's worth.... 

I finished 16 rad  treatments in early Sept. I used -

* very  mild soap in a WARM shower (Although Dove was recommended, I used a natural olive oil soap)

 * Glaxal cream (the base for most cream medications) applied liberally 2 - 3 x /day,  given to me by the rad folk

* a cotton bra (which, because I am/was a 38 DD, I wore the whole time with no problems, except for its becoming very multicoloured where I was marked each day ;-)

and I aired my breast for at least an hour /day

This was great and I had no skin issues BUT 7 - 10 days after the rad was over, when I was told it would peak, it did and I had all sorts of skin issues although never blistering the skin. These lasted for several weeks.  Coincidently, I began using Dove soap (we were away). I was told to back off the cream.

Almost two monthe later, my skin is good except for a new, worrisome mole that has appeared and we are watching.

Good luck all.

Caroline - Thanks for the warning !!! I'm starting boosts today and several people have warned me that boosts are esp hard on the skin and also that I need to keep moisturizing for 2 weeks after everything ends. As on woman put it, we keep "cooking". It's one of those warnings like "Look both ways before you cross the street"; one can't here it too much !

YoungOldMe,

I feel the same way you do about petroleum based ingredients. I haven't used products like this for years. It seems like during rads it's even more important to avoid parabens, synthetic fragrances etc. 

I don't start rads until Dec, but I've been giving a lot of thought to what I will use during tx.  This thread has been very helpful! 

I'm really considering the suggestion to make a tea with dried calendula and  comfrey, maybe I'll apply that  in a base of 100% aloe. 

I'd like to follow it up  with something oily/softening.   Does anyone know if there is a particular reason to avoid vit e oil during rads? I'm thinking of adding  a few drops of vit e to olive or coconut oil, to help seal in some moisture. 

Pill -  Yes, be sure to ask your radiation team. Although I haven't figured out exactly why, the Dos and Dont very dramatically from place to place. Even Vitamin E isn't clear cut. My rad onc at least makes a distinction between topical Vitamin E (okay to use) and Systemic Vitamin E, as in supplements (a big thumbs down). I did a lot of research into topical antioxidants when I started radiation and was super surprised to learn that many of the commonly used radiation creams have anti-oxidants in them. Of course, the farther down on the ingredient list, the less quantity so that's also important to note.  Here's what I found out:

Biafine - contains Squalene (Fish oil; 7^th Ingredient), Avocado Oil (8^th Ingredient)

Xclair - contains Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter, containing both Vitamin A & E; 3^rd Ingredient), Ethylhexyl Palmitate (a derivative of Palm Oil; 5^th Ingredient), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E; 11^th Ingredient ), Hydrogenated Castor Oil (12^th Ingredient)

Radx - Sweet Almond Oil (3^rd Ingredient after Aloe and Water)

Miaderm - Calendula ( 3^rd  and 4^th Ingredient), Rosa Canina Seed Oil (Rose Hip Oil containing Vitamin E; 13^th Ingredient)

Alra  Therapy Lotion - Vitamin E

Jeans Cream - Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate)

By the way, Olive Oil is also a strong antioxidant

 Caroline - I had actually backed off the lotions as well; to me, they seemed to be aggravating and bringing out the bumps more than if I did nothing. Then the nurse showed me how burnt I was getting and suggested that the bumps might be better to deal with than the burn that would result if I went thru boosts using very little moisturizer. So, I started again

MarkeyGoW - You're a really good friend !

As far as I know, there's only been a bit of discussion about it on this site and they make a distinction between super market honey and pure, medical grade honey. Check out: Topic: Has anyone else used "MediHoney?" at http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/70/topic/741969?page=1#post_1547628  as well as another thread on this Discussion Board, "Honey heals wounds- Research to back it" at http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/79/topic/736964/1438443

For even more information and some direct feedback, why don't you also post your question on the natural girls site:  http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/79/topic/730113?page=107#idx_3192 .

One word of advice: If you're friend decides to use honey and lives in the US, she might want to do some research and find studies re: using honey to give to her radiation oncologist. From my personal experience, rad oncs here are hesitant to give their okay to use a "natural cure" that they're unfamiliar with, unless there's some empirical evidence that such a cure does work. I used Apple Cider Vinegar (10% ACV to 90% water) and at first my radonc said "No"; after I showed her my research, she not only okayed it but was rather intrigued by the whole thing.

As for the use of honey, I found a very small Dutch study specifically on point,  "The Effect of Honey Compared to Conventional Treatment on Healing of Radiotherapy Induced Skin Toxicity in Breast Cancer Patients" (see http://pdfserve.informaworld.com/892817__749296021.pdf ); it looked at 24 patients and found that those using honey actually had less pain, itching and irritation than those using traditional salves. However, I think that they used medical grade/sterile honey rather than the sort we put on bread or in tea.  

By the way, you might also find helpful a comprehensive list of lotions and creams used by the various women on this site: http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/70/topic/739663?page=1#idx_14  

The ladies on this site are really quite helpful. Feel free to ask questions.

Hi everyone, 

Just wanted to let everyone know that I used Aveeno cream for dry skin throughout my treatment (5 weeks) after it was approved by my rads team. I think it helped a lot; I never had skin breakdown, although the skin under my arm turned almost black and eventually peeled. The worst time was the 2 weeks post-rad (I finished Oct. 20), I couldn't believe how sensitive and sore my skin was. I bought Basics cotton bras at Walmart for a big $10 each, and they really helped during the treatment. Good luck to everyone, and I hope this helps. 

I used Radioplex from the beginning of the therapy. By the last 3 weeks, I was as red as a tomato. Very sore & itchy with blisters. I did some internet research and found that Fluocinolone Acetonide had been found to help. I happened to have some in the form of Derma-Smoothe, an Rx I got for exema. I used that and after 3 days all the itching & soreness was really a lot better! The radiologist was surprised at how good my skin looked. I now am taking Arimidex (for 2 months so far) and am getting itching from that around my neck, hairline & shoulders. The Derma Smoothe seems to help with that also, although it isn't really going away.

I was given a jar of Sween's Creme and told to use nothing else after every treatment.  It was fantastic and I had to use so little I still have most of it left in the jar!  My new Onc says he can't believe I had any Rads because I show no signs whatsoever on my skin and I never did even when it was done.  This is why I wonder how so many can be concerned about getting the treatments.  As long as they know their job and one follows instructions for use of the cream, it can be very easy, or at least it was for me.

Hi Thressa,

I read your review and was very impressed with it. I'm in my second week of radiation treatments and as of now I see no reaction. My RO told me not to expect any; but my surgeon said it would occur. Within your review you mention if anyone wanted a sample to let you know. How do I get a sample of the cream you are speaking about. I realize your review was written in 2008, can you still supply the sample.

Terri Brown

I used pure Emu Oil (which was approved by the Doctor) and had very few problems with  my radiation treatment both during and after.  Hope this helps! Have a good weekend everyone.

Today a lady at church advised me that when she had breast cancer a few years ago, her doctor advised her to put baking soda (Actually she couldn't remember if it was baking soda or baking powder) on her breast right after each radiation session. She said she had absolutely no problems. Has anyone heard of this?

I like to suggest KindCoupons.org. It is also a great site to save money and also help a charity.

I used pure aloevera gel as recommended by my radiologist. They sold it in the hospital pharmacy. I didn't put it on until after my RADS but then put in on immediately after and again before bedtime. Radiologist wanted me not to put any thing on prior to RADS. I never developed a burn or blistered skin. I had a slight tan when I was done. Also, my radiologist said no tanning beds or sun tanning without covering up the radiated site forever due to additional skin damage.

You can find 100% aloe vera gel at Walmart. It's in the lotion section- Fruit of the Earth is the brand name. I have never seen it anywhere else around here. cheap- like 4 bucks

This thread has been very helpful.  As a (very) small busted redhead, I have been quite concerned about the effects of radiation on my skin. Lots of good recommendations here.  I don't start rads until January, but I fell much better prepared now!