Radiation Skin Care

Radiotherapy targets cancer cells, but the beam also passes through healthy skin. Each session affects the fast-renewing cells at the skin's surface, and because sessions are repeated daily, the skin does not have time to recover fully in between. Doctors call the resulting changes radiation dermatitis.

It is one of the most common side effects of radiotherapy. Published studies report that 85 to 95% of people receiving radiotherapy notice some degree of skin change in the treated area.

Skin changes build gradually, which is why care should start before you can see anything.

• Weeks 1 to 2: skin usually looks normal. It may feel slightly warm or dry.
• Weeks 2 to 4: redness, dryness, tightness and itching appear. Skin may darken.
• Weeks 4 to 6, and the two weeks after treatment: reactions usually peak. Dry flaking is common. In some people skin peels and becomes moist, particularly in skin folds.
• Recovery: most reactions settle over 4 to 6 weeks after the last session, though colour changes can last longer.

Reactions tend to be stronger with higher doses, when chemotherapy is given at the same time, and in areas such as the head and neck, the breast and skin folds.

People often describe it as a sunburn that keeps building. Common sensations include:

• Dryness and tightness
• Redness or darkening of the skin
• Itching
• Warmth, tenderness or a burning feeling
• Flaking or peeling

• Wash the area gently with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Pat dry with a soft towel.
• Moisturise from Day 1, two to three times a day.
• Arrive at each session with clean, product-free skin, unless your team tells you otherwise.
• Wear loose, soft clothing over the area. Cotton is kindest.
• Protect the area from sun, heat packs, ice packs and hot water.
• Avoid perfumes, alcohol-based products, adhesive tape and scrubbing on treated skin.
• Try not to scratch. If itching is hard to manage, tell your team.

Your radiation team may give you specific instructions. Theirs always come first.

Radiation Defence Cream is a barrier-support cream built for skin going through radiotherapy. Niacinamide and skin-identical ceramides support the skin barrier, panthenol and glycerin hydrate, and colloidal oatmeal soothes the feeling of itch and tightness. It leaves out fragrance, essential oils, alcohol, dyes and high-dose antioxidants.

Daily Cleanser replaces soap with a sulfate-free, pH-balanced wash that does not strip skin that is already under stress.