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Liz08
Liz08 Member Posts: 470
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
More information on Dove Soap
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  • Liz08
    Liz08 Member Posts: 470
    edited June 2008

    Hello everyone-

    I need input, recently finished radiation therapy and was trying to find a "natural" sunscreen instead of a regular chemical one. During my search, I discovered that many sunscreens contain Titanium Dioxide which is used to block the UVA/UVB rays from the sun. I also learned in my research that most regular soaps contain Titanium Dioxide such as Dove etc. While doing radiation, I was instructed to use Dove soap as I'm sure many of you are/were. Also, I was told not to use any deodorant on my treatment side so I always took a shower 1-2 hours before my radiation therapy.

    Now I'm worried...if the Titanium Dioxide in the Dove soap could have interfered with the effectiveness of radiation? Why are we being told to use Dove if it contains Titanium Dioxide which is used in natural sunscreens?  Are the rays different that are used in radiation for breast cancer?  I can't find answers on the web.....

    I called the company that makes Dove and the person I spoke with was not very knowledgable, she told me that they used it in the Dove as a colorant but is not sure if has sunscreen properties. I put a call in to my Radiation Oncologist who is off today. I am going out of my mind with worry!! Any input would be helpfull!!!

    Thank you,
    Liz

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  • Texgirl
    Texgirl Member Posts: 211
    edited June 2008

    Titanium Dioxide is used as a sunscreen and a colorant and as an additive in foods and cosmetics. I do not think that the amt. of the colorant in the soap ( and I used it too ) would make it act as a sunscreen. I read that titanium d. is bonded with another product to make it reflect the sun's rays. I am no scientist here but I think you are worried needlessly. 

    I had a friend who without telling anyone went through her entire rad treatments using sunscreen "so she wouldn't burn " !! Yikes !

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  • AnnNYC
    AnnNYC Member Posts: 4,484
    edited June 2008

    Liz,

    I think that even using a titanium dioxide sunscreen (not just the soap with flakes) wouldn't have deflected the x-rays, because they have a much shorter wavelength meaning much higher energy and ability to penetrate than ultraviolet rays do.

    Even with a diagnostic x-ray, which is a much lower dose than radiotherapy, we need lead shields to protect our ovaries.  And we need to pay more for sunscreens that have enough titanium dioxide to block UVB rays, which are only a little shorter in wavelength (higher in energy) than UVA rays -- whereas x-rays are a LOT shorter and penetrate a lot deeper.

    These photo-rays are on a spectrum -- x-rays are at the really short end, then UVC (used in hospitals to kill germs), then UVB (which causes more mutations/skin cancer than UVA does), then UVA, then visible light, then infra-red, etc.

    So I'm pretty sure your doctor will say that you received the full intensity of your radiation treatments.

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  • Liz08
    Liz08 Member Posts: 470
    edited June 2008

    Texgirl & Ann-

    thank you for responding.  Your posts helped me alot and both of you are right.  I finally was able to get hold of my radiation onocolgist and he told me not to worry. He is 100% certain that the Dove would not have done anything to the radiation. He said that I would "literally need a coat of atleast an inch of titanium dioxide" to possibly do anything to the radiation rays.  

    Thank you again,

    (((Hugs)))

    Liz

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  • LadyLisa
    LadyLisa Member Posts: 12
    edited June 2008
    This is one good thing to hear becaus I also have been worried. I went out and bought Dove for this because I usually use OLAY and well thought ohh great a waste of money again..lol.. And wow and inch of the stuff to make a difference.. That is scary kinda dont ya think??
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  • suseq
    suseq Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2012

    SO............ the bottom line........ is it OK to use Dove soap during radiation treatments?  I am starting treatments tomorrow and I'm very confused!!

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  • suseq
    suseq Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2012

    I just got home from my first RAD treatment.  The anticipation was definately worse that the treatment itself.  The RAD techs told me to use Dove soap for sensitive skin.  I saw my RO after and he said not to drive myself crazy.  He said to stay away from anything with heavy perfumes and aluminum. 

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