Skin Sensitivity and Burns from Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy can cause radiation dermatitis, a side effect that affects the skin. It occurs as the skin in the treated area is prone to damage and reactions. Management of sensitive skin radiation reactions helps comfort patients and continue their treatment success. 

Types of skin issues caused

Radiation-induced skin injury (RISI) causes short-term and chronic reactions and affects 95% of patients. The severity of skin issues can range from mild irritation to severe burns. Other issues caused are:

• Erythema: Occurring in the first few weeks of treatment, it's the most common reaction, causing redness and swelling similar to a sunburn.
• Desquamation (dry): As the treatment goes on, the skin can become excessively dry, start to flake, peel, and become itchy.
• Desquamation (moist): This is very painful and has a high infection risk when the outer layer of skin is off, and raw and open sores are left behind. These are open radiation burns.
• Fibrosis: Skin thickening and hardening can occur in the treatment area.

Preventive skincare 

To reduce the severity of radiation burns and irritation, a skincare routine is a must. Before treatment, consult your healthcare team about skin preparation and a basic skincare routine. While undergoing the treatment, gently cleanse the area with lukewarm water and a mild, non-scented soap. Avoid scrubbing too hard, and then pat the skin dry. Use prescribed moisturizers multiple times in a day for continuous hydration. Pay attention to not applying a moisturizer immediately before a session, but an hour or two before it. Wear soft and loose-fitting clothing over the treatment area to avoid rubbing or causing friction. 

Some healing tips and aftercare

After treatment, focus on boosting healing and restoration of the skin barrier. Gently cleanse and moisturize for a few months or weeks. Use cool compresses and soothing baths to relieve heat and discomfort. Doctors can suggest hydrogel dressings or topical steroids for persistent problems of skin peeling. Hydrogel dressings are gels of water, glycerin, and polymers that create a bacterial barrier and a moist environment for wound healing.

Advised creams and ointments

Oncologists may prescribe steroid creams or barrier creams for severe radiation burns. The products must be non-irritating, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free. Check formulas specific to damaged skin and ingredients like:

• Hyaluronic acid: Helps in hydration and tissue repair.
• Ceramides: Rebuilds the skin’s protective barrier.
• Calendula/Aloe vera: Soothes and has anti-inflammatory properties.

When to seek medical help?

Medical help is necessary if the patient experiences any increasingly painful infection, swelling, pus, warmth, or redness. Severe moist desquamation, fever, chills, or unmanageable pain require immediate medical help.

Effective management of sensitive skin radiation reactions is a main aspect of cancer care, ensuring that patients can complete their entire course of treatment safely. It is the key to the patient’s journey during and after radiation therapy, making it easy, comforting, and valuable. Hence, a proper skincare routine makes a real difference to the outcomes and quality of life of the patient.