Lotion: To use or not to use??

Marcygiff · January 2015

Started rads on Monday and I've read and several people have told me to use Aquaphor or Eucerin religiously. Then, my rad techs said this morning that the doctor didn't want me using anything on the area they are radiating until he tells me to. Why is there such a discrepancy in what is recommended?

ruthbru · January 2015

Mine said to use Aquaphor right after the zaps, and again in the evening, but not in the morning before treatment because that could intensify the burn. I'd talk to the doctor him/herself. I was told to do it from the start, not to wait until I started to have a problem.

Kicks · January 2015

I was given a lot of several different samples of creams/lotions bby my Rads Dr to use. I was very emphatically told by him to be sure to NOT put any on before each rad but to put on after. I did not have any skin issues during rads but did develope very bad burns the day after last rad.

We are each unique and how our body reacts to anything. Our Drs are also individuals and do have different experiences with us so (Thankfully) there is no 'One Size Fits All'.

Talk to your Dr about your questions/concerns.

AussieTerry · January 2015

I would only slather non-scent lotion onto my skin after the radiation. The main reason was that I had my Rads after work and so it was the end of the day when I got home so I woud slather it on then. I didn't want my work clothes to get stained be the cream. I had little redness during treatment and the nurses were surprised how soft my skin was. However, the week following radiation I started to get very red but it was less than bad sunburn. 4 weeks later I still lather cream on at night becasue the area is dry.

Deb5013 · January 2015

I used the cooling gel that you use if you get a sunburn asap after each radiation(usually kept it in my car and as soon as I got in put it on) and then would shower later that afternoon and did it again waited an hour or so then used non scented lotion and tried to wear clothing that was very light weight an airy as well as slept without clothes (I know tmi lol) and right before bed cooling gel again and I had thirty rad treatments and never burned, so not sure that will help but it worked for me. Hope all goes well for all of you.

Hugs,

Deb

doxie · January 2015

My RO was really old school and allowed corn starch only until all the way through rads. He wanted me to use non scented Dove for showering. That's as close as I was allowed to lotion. After that it was as much Aquaphor as I wanted. I ended up with a blistered areola -not broken though- the week after rads, so it worked for me. Not sure it was necessary to be so strict though.

PoppyK · January 2015

I was told to use aloe gel (containing no alcohol) after rads and at night. Hope it does the trick.

Cowgirl13 · January 2015

My radiologist's clinic had bowl's of Aquafor in the treatment waiting. I was told to put it on immediately after each zap and then put it on again at night. I never had any problems.

Dogsneverlie · January 2015

Hi - my routine was: shower in the morning, NO LOTION. Head over for rads, get zapped, while in dressing room apply lotion. Then I applied several times/day and before going to bed. My skin was great - BUT I did NOT apply right before rads. I had no blisters, peeling, etc. Turned very dark brown and it was a little like "leather" to the touch but no blisters. I swear by Eucerin.

Varod · January 2015

moisturization helps reduce the severity and duration of the radiation skin reaction. In the first couple weeks there may be no reaction and since your doc is seeing you every week he'll probably recommend it. There's no harm to starting early (but maybe no benefit)

As others have said, most places recommend you not have the lotion thick on the skin during radiation, so put it on at least a couple hours before if your appointments aren't in the morning

lane4 · January 2015

It's interesting how different doctors have such different recommendations. My RO said to use nothing but pure aloe vera gel (without alcohol) - no lotions or oils - for the duration. After the last treatment, he said to use as much moisturizer as I wanted. I did get a mild "sunburn," but no peeling or blisters.

Kicks · January 2015

Moisturizing is not what always heals skin/burns. I did everything Dr sugested (allergic to Sulfa so Sulfadene/Silverdene was not an option). What finally allowed healing was Domoboro soaks which are astringent/drying after 4 mths.

Nomatterwhat · January 2015

I always used aquaphor first thing in the morning after my shower, did rads at 1:30, applied more aquaphor while I was getting redressed and more aquaphor when I got home after work. I only used my silverdene at night before I went to bed and then I covered the area with a soft towel and wrapped my body with an old ace bandage (my husband just shook his head when he saw my creation). It definitely helped keep the area moist all night and didn't allow the silverdene to come off on my PJ's. I finished 33 rads today, 28 full breast and 5 boost. I have had no peeling or blistering, but I do have itching along the scar.

Kicks · January 2015

If 'you' are allergic to sulfa drugs (quite a few of us are), be sure the Dr knows this before you use Silvadene/Silvadene as it can cause allergic reactions even when not taken orally as in skin cream or eye drops. If 'you' are allergic to sulfa, you also need to be careful with handling/using it with meds your Vet prescribes for your animals. It is not as likely for it to cause reactions when not taken orally but is possible.

Lotion: To use or not to use??

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