| Radiation therapy is a simple, painless, and generally | | | | the irradiated skin by going braless or by wearing a |
| well-tolerated tool for treating and even curing breast | | | | cotton sports bra without an underwire that fits well |
| cancer. One of the most common side effects of | | | | below the crease of the breast or the irradiated skin |
| radiation therapy to the breast (after a lumpectomy) | | | | of the chest wall. Women who can go braless |
| or to the chest wall (after a mastectomy) is skin | | | | altogether, should. If that is not a comfortable |
| irritation. The reaction and its extent differ for every | | | | solution, women should wear a bra as infrequently as |
| woman. Because radiation therapy is often such an | | | | possible to reduce the likelihood and/or the degree of |
| important part of breast cancer treatment, it is | | | | a skin reaction. Also, aerating the irradiated skin helps |
| important to know how to mitigate its side effects in | | | | minimize skin reactions. |
| order to gain the greatest benefit from the therapy. | | | | Over-the-counter moisturizing creams without alcohol |
| Coping with Skin Irritation | | | | and fragrance can reduce the extent of a skin |
| Radiation-induced skin reactions are more likely to | | | | reaction. Often, radiation oncology teams prescribe |
| occur in people who received chemotherapy shortly | | | | these creams at the beginning of radiation therapy. |
| before or during radiation therapy and in women who | | | | Women should also try to be kind to the irradiated |
| have a prominent fold under the crease of the | | | | skin, which can be easily inflamed. Radiation |
| breast. In fact, this area and the underarm are the | | | | oncologists suggest:o Do not rub, scrub, or scratch |
| most common areas of the breast to sustain a skin | | | | the skin in the treatment area; instead, pat the skin |
| reaction. Most skin reactions resolve within a few | | | | dry and massage physician-prescribed anti-itch creams |
| weeks of completing radiation therapy. | | | | or ointments onto the affected area.o Avoid sun |
| Skin reactions are almost inevitable for women | | | | exposure to the irradiated skin. When going outdoors, |
| receiving radiation to the chest wall after a | | | | wear protective opaque clothing such as a cotton |
| mastectomy. As a result, many radiation oncology | | | | tee shirt.o Steer clear of tight-fitting blouses and bras |
| facilities give such women a one-week prophylactic | | | | over the area unless instructed otherwise.o Use only |
| break halfway through the course of treatment, to | | | | lukewarm water and mild soap recommended by the |
| reduce the severity of skin reactions. | | | | radiation oncology team on the treated area.o Avoid |
| The severity of a skin reaction varies from person to | | | | using ice packs or heating pads on the treated skin.o |
| person. It can become more noticeable as the course | | | | Steer clear of commercial deodorants and skin care |
| of treatment progresses. Faint pinkness of the skin, | | | | products not endorsed by the treatment team.o Do |
| brisk redness, sun burnt sensation, dryness, itching, | | | | not shave the underarm on the treated side with a |
| peeling, darkening like a suntan, blistering, and moist | | | | non-electric razor.o Avoid skin care products for at |
| oozing can occur. | | | | least two hours before radiation treatment. |
| When the reaction is severe, such as a brisk redness | | | | Although a number of people who undergo radiation |
| that evolves into blistering and moist weeping of the | | | | therapy do experience skin reactions, most get past |
| skin, women receive a treatment break, usually | | | | this temporary side effect. By working with their |
| lasting a week or two. This rest is usually sufficient | | | | radiation oncology teams, people pass the |
| to alleviate the worst symptoms. When necessary, | | | | metaphorical finish line of the course of radiation |
| doctors can prescribe therapeutic creams. Radiation | | | | therapy, usually victoriously. Most importantly, they |
| can be resumed once the reaction resolves. | | | | derive substantial benefits from radiation therapy and |
| Treating the Reaction | | | | move on to leading productive, cancer-free lives. |
| During radiation therapy, women can avoid chafing | | | | |