Always follow the recommendations of your Doctors and Nurses during treatment. These are a few tips you can use to help you during your Radiation Therapy.
What is the purpose in the use of Radiation Therapy?
The aim for radiation therapy treatment is the killing of cancerous cells with the least amount of radiation that is possible. Radiotherapy delivers large doses of radiation to the targeted areas to kill cancerous cells. The radiation stops them from reproducing and blocks their ability to grow.
Who Will Make Up Your Radiation Treatment Team?
Your treatment team consists of a radiation therapist, dosimetrists, radiation therapists as well as a nutritionist, physicist and nurses with expertise with radiation oncology. The team will design an individual treatment plan that is designed specifically for you. Family support is essential and you might have a social worker, or psychologist who will help support your family and you during treatment.
What skin problems can Radiation Therapy cause?
One of the issues patients face when they undergo radiation therapy is the possibility of skin reactions. The primary goals of controlling skin reactions is to preserve skin integrity and to maintain hydration for the skin minimize discomfort and pain and protect against trauma and avoid infections.
If radiation is absorbed by the skin, skin cells can be damaged. In the course of treatment, skin cells don't have the time needed to heal or regenerate.
How Do You Take Care of Your Skin during Radiation Therapy?
Tips for general skincare to use during treatment include:
- Keep your normal routine of washing and bathing avoid using products that smell of perfume and soaps.
- Use only your hands to wash. The washcloths could be too rough. After showering, gently pat the skin to dry. Be sure to dry the wrinkles on your skin.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes, and avoid exposing your skin to sun until the skin is healed because radiated skin areas are more sensitive the sun, and are at an increased risk of being damaged.
- Make sure to apply sunscreens along with clothing to shade and protect your skin.
- Do not swim in chlorine-infused waters since the chlorine could create a drying effect to the skin.
- Don't wet shave, or make use of a hair removal products.
American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests applying a moisturizer on your skin every day howe;ver, don't apply it to wounds and always consult with the radiation team. Apply the moisturizer according to instructions and don't apply it for two hours prior to treatment as it could irritate. Inform any skin irritations and/or changes in your skin to the radiation nurse.
Ultimate Dermaviitality's Radiation Cream is a natural, organic radiation burn cream that was developed by an Oncology Nurse. It is formulated with calendula and other natural herbs that help to shield your skin before and after radiation therapy.
What are the best skin care tips You Use When Breast Radiation?
In the course of treatment, the appearance of your hair and skin may change. It could be pink, red and tanned or appear like sunburn. Skin can be sensitive to touch and itchy. It can also be itchy. Be careful not to scratch your skin as it can cause infections. Moisturizing your skin can reduce the dryness and itchiness. If you experience blisters, a rash, and open cuts, you should report it to your physician or a nurse.
- Choose a comfortable camisole or cotton bra. Avoid bras that have underwires, nylon or lacing.
- It is possible to use deodorant, but be careful not to cut your armpits because it can cause irritation.
- Avoid using perfumes, makeup powders, aftershave, or makeup on the area that is being treated.
- Do not apply tape to the skin you have treated.
- Do not apply alcohol products or alcohol pads for your skin while you are in treatment.
- Avoid exposing your skin extreme temperatures in cold and hot temperatures, such as heated water bottles or hot bath tubs.
- Keep your skin clean. Use mild soap like Cetaphil and baby soap. Do not rub your skin too hard, and then dry it with a the help of a soft towel.
- Make sure to moisturize your skin regularly. When selecting a moisturizer stay clear of lanolin or fragrances. A natural herbal formulation containing calendula could be suggested.
- If you're applying a moisturizing cream, apply it at least twice a every day.
How Can You Manage Fatigue during Radiation Therapy?
A lot of patients experience fatigue after a period of about 2 days of treatment. It's possible to have difficulty concentrating and feel fatigued or feel like you're slowed. The symptoms will diminish as the treatment is completed, but it could persist for a few months.
Tips to manage fatigue during Radiation Therapy:
- If you can, work as much as possible and reduce your work the hours you work if fatigue is affecting your performance.
- Prioritize important activities to periods of time when you are at your peak energy.
- Make sure you get enough sleep and take a few brief naps when you need. Yoga, exercise and a light exercise can aid you in sleeping better in the night.
- Request family and friends to assist you with everyday tasks, so that you can lessen stress.
- Be sure to address any other symptoms (pain nausea, vomiting or insomnia, depression and anxiety) with your medical team since they may exacerbate fatigue.
How can you support your Well-being During Your Treatment?
The process of undergoing cancer treatment can be stressful. It can be stressful for family relations, the effects of your treatment for your body and whether the cancer will come back.
Suggestions to provide emotional assistance:
Join a support group like Ultimate Vitality's Facebook page or other local and online groups.
- Try some gentle yoga or mindfulness exercises.
- Discuss with your physician about appropriate exercise that will help to reduce stress.
- Always follow the guidelines of your nurses and doctors when you are receiving your treatment.
More Tips for managing skin during treatment
https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/radiation/skin/care
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