Are you undergoing radiation therapy for cancer? Has the skin around the treatment area become red, itchy, and feels like it's been sunburned? Many people have experienced this. We call this 'Radiation Burn'. It's actually nothing to worry about, it's a common side effect of cancer treatment. Your doctor knows this very well. So let's understand this and talk about how to take care of your skin during this time.
Simply put, what is Radiation Burn?
Radiation Burn is a skin condition that occurs as a side effect of radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells. To be precise, this is medically known as `(Radiation Dermatitis)`. This condition can occur to a greater or lesser extent in almost everyone undergoing cancer treatment.
Think about it, when you aim a beam of radiation at a cancer cell, it has to penetrate through the skin's surface. This is where the skin cells are affected. But don't worry. Most of these conditions are not serious and can be managed with simple treatments. But for some people (about one in twenty), it can be a little more severe. But your doctor is always paying attention to your skin, so he will do everything he can to give you relief.
What does this look like and what are its symptoms?
Radiation burns can look exactly like sunburn. Sometimes they can appear as spots on the skin. Usually, if you have fair skin, the area will look red. If you have dark skin, the area may look darker than the surrounding skin.
At first, the skin may become dry and itchy, then over time, it may become sunburned, and sometimes even develop a watery liquid ("weeping" radiation burns).
Let's clearly separate these symptoms.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Skin discoloration | Reddening if you have fair skin or darkening if you have dark skin. |
| Itching | A constant itching sensation in the treated area. |
| Dryness and peeling of the skin | Dry, flaky skin. |
| Swelling or blistering | Swelling or small water-filled blisters in the treated area. |
| Open sores | The skin becomes irritated and oozes fluid, especially in sweaty areas such as the armpits and under the breasts. |
Do these symptoms come on suddenly?
No. These symptoms usually don't appear all at once. The effects of radiation therapy are cumulative . This means that the effects increase as the treatment progresses.
You may experience some mild itching and dryness after the first treatment, but most people don't start experiencing symptoms until a few weeks after starting treatment.
Don't be surprised, some people only experience these symptoms after all treatment has finished. This is because the effects of radiation can remain in your body for weeks after treatment has stopped, continuing to kill cancer cells.
Why does this happen and who is most at risk?
The main reason for this, as we discussed earlier, is that the radiation beam directed at the cancer cells passes through the skin. In this process, healthy skin cells are also affected to some extent.
Although this condition can occur in anyone undergoing radiation therapy, some people are at higher risk, especially:
- Breast cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Skin Cancer
- Anal Cancer
This risk is higher in people who are being treated for conditions such as:
- If you are a smoker: Smoking slows down the skin's healing process.
- If you've always sunburned in the past: Your skin history also affects this.
- If a large area of the body is being treated: The risk is also higher because the amount of skin exposed to radiation is greater.
- If you are receiving other treatments, such as chemotherapy, along with radiation therapy: The effects of both treatments may be combined and the damage to the skin may increase.
How does the doctor treat this?
Your doctor and medical team are well aware that radiation therapy can cause skin problems. Therefore, they will regularly check your skin throughout your treatment and ask you if you are experiencing any discomfort.
Typically, special creams are recommended to relieve dryness and itching of the skin. Remember, the best moisturizers to use at this time are those that do not contain fragrances, especially those that do not contain lanolin . Sometimes, if the condition is a little more severe, the doctor may even recommend a cream containing a steroid.
The most important thing is to only use what your doctor recommends. Don't just apply whatever you feel like, or whatever someone else tells you to. Always ask your doctor before applying any cream or lotion. He or she will tell you exactly what is safe and how often you should apply it.
How do I take care of my skin during this time?
Taking care of your skin is very important during this time. Small things can give you a big relief. The most important thing is to treat your skin very gently and lovingly . Let's see what you can do for it.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Cleanse gently: Use lukewarm water and a mild soap. Use your hands to scrub your body. | Do not rub your body with cloths or loofahs. Do not rub or scrub your skin vigorously. |
| Dry gently: After bathing, gently pat the skin dry with a towel, rather than rubbing vigorously. | Itching does not get better, so avoid scratching as much as possible. Scratching can further damage the skin. |
| Use an electric razor: If you need to shave the treatment area, use only an electric razor. | Don't use regular razors. They can scratch and injure the skin. |
| Stay cool: You will feel better if you can stay in a cool, humid environment. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. | Do not place high temperatures, such as hot water bottles or ice packs, on the wound. |
| Wear soft, loose clothing: Wear clothes that are breathable, like cotton, that don't cling to your body, and that don't rub against your skin. | Do not wear tight clothing or clothes made from rough fabrics. |
| Protect yourself from the sun: If you are going outside, wear clothing that covers your entire body, such as long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat. | Do not expose the treated area to direct sunlight. |
| Follow medical advice: Apply the creams recommended by your doctor, in the correct manner and for the correct number of times. | Do not apply any ointments, powders, oils, or perfumes to the area without the doctor's approval. |
How long will this situation last?
For most people, these symptoms gradually subside within a few weeks of treatment. However, your skin may remain sensitive for up to a month. Therefore, you should take care of your skin until it is fully healed, especially by continuing to protect it from the sun.
When should I see a doctor soon?
This condition can usually be managed at home. However, sometimes the wounds can become infected. If you see signs of such an infection, you should take immediate action.
If you have these symptoms, it could be an infection. So call your doctor immediately, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) at your nearest hospital.
- Having a fever of 100.4 Fahrenheit (38.3 Celsius) or higher.
- If the skin in the treated area feels warm to the touch and is unusually red/dark.
- If there is a foul-smelling fluid oozing from the wounds.
Don't ignore these symptoms. Early treatment can prevent serious conditions.
Take-Home Message
- Radiation burn is a very common side effect that can be expected during radiation treatment, so don't be unnecessarily afraid of it.
- This condition can be managed well. The most important thing is to treat your skin very gently and lovingly.
- Follow the instructions given by your doctor or medical team exactly. Only use the creams they recommend.
- Report any changes to your skin, pain, or itching to your doctor immediately. Don't hide anything.
- If you notice signs of infection, such as fever, warmth from the wound, or a foul-smelling discharge, seek medical advice immediately.
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