Wellness Library

Skin Care During Radiation Therapy

TIP: Ask a family member or friend to give you some help applying lotion in hard-to-reach spots.

Radiation therapy can cause several side effects, most of which disappear after treatment ends. The ones you experience depend on the location of the tumor and your general health. Remember that side effects are treatment-related, and have no relation to the impact of the radiation therapy on the cancer.

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Protect sensitive areas from the sun with a hat or clothing.

Sensitive Skin

Changes may occur in your skin as normal skin cells react to the radiation therapy. The effects on skin are similar to a mild sunburn:

  • Dryness

  • Itching

  • Redness

  • Peeling

Most skin reactions will heal one to three weeks after therapy stops.

Self-Care Tips

  • Avoid sun on the irradiated area because your skin is already sensitive.

  • Keep reference marks visible by letting the shower run over them. Don’t scrub; pat dry gently. (These ink marks are placed on your skin to help position you accurately for treatment.)

  • Do not remove marks unless your technologist tells you it’s okay.

  • Wear loose clothing so you won’t further irritate sensitive skin.

  • Do not apply lotions to the irradiated area immediately before treatment sessions.

  • Talk with your radiation oncology team if you’re having skin problems.