Radiation therapy is important in treating a wide variety of cancer types, as well as other illnesses. Unfortunately, the radiation affects so much more than just cancer cells. Depending on how long you are treated with radiation, you may experience what can be quite severe burns. To avoid this painful situation, you should first speak with your doctor about your individual situation and make sure you follow all of her directions as closely as possible.
Instructions
1. Talk with your doctor about your radiation treatment. Your risk for burns due to radiation therapy is higher when the treatment is applied to certain parts of your body. Your doctor can advise you specifically, based on the expected length of your treatment and the location of your treatment.
2. Take any medications, either oral or topical, that are prescribed by your doctor and make sure your radiation therapist is aware of the medications you are taking.
3. Drink plenty of water each day. Your skin loses moisture due to radiation therapy, but drinking water before and after your treatments can help to keep your skin hydrated.
4. Protect your skin from the sun. Both before and after your treatments, sun damage can worsen the effects of your radiation treatments.
5. Use only the products on your skin that are recommended by your doctor. Scented lotions and other skin products can damage your skin when it is already weakened by radiation therapy.
6. Avoid shaving areas affected by radiation therapy as this can cause further irritation.
Tags: your skin, radiation therapy, your radiation, about your, after your, after your treatments