Radiation Oncology Skin Care Instructions-Approved Products

The University of Kansas Health System

The skin  will need special care during your radiation treatment. These  instructions will help to protect your skin

Continue to follow the skin care instructions through your treatments and until your follow up visit after you finish your radiation treatments. 

If you notice any skin changes, pain in the treatment area or have any questions about  skin care, please notify your nurse.

• Do NOT apply powders, creams, perfumes/colognes, lotions, soaps, or cosmetics to the skin in the treatment area unless instructed to or approved by your physician.
• You may use underarm deodorant/antiperspirant during radiation therapy.
• You may apply cornstarch powder to the underarm and skin folds to absorb moisture and odor if needed.
• When showering, avoid letting the stream of water hit the treatment area directly.
• Avoid extremely hot or cold water and gently pat the area dry with a towel.
• Keep the treatment area clean and dry, especially in the skin folds; this helps prevent infection.
• Do NOT use ice packs, heating pads, or sunlamps in the treatment area.
• Avoid sun exposure and/or use of tanning beds. The skin in the treatment will be hypersensitive and is more prone to burning.
  • If you are going to be in the sun, use a PABA-free sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher
  • keep the skin covered or shaded as much as possible.
  • A swim shirt or “rash guard” with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50+ is an alternative to sunblock and will provide good protection for your skin.
• Protect the skin in the treatment area from injury, pressure, and irritants.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing over the treatment site. Avoid tight clothing.
• Do NOT scrub, rub, or scratch the skin in the treatment area. If there is pain or itching of the skin, please ask your nurse for recommendations on how to relieve the itching.
• Do NOT shave the treated skin. If you must shave, use an electric razor and stop if the skin becomes irritated.

Approved Products include:

• Aquaphor®
• Egyptian Magic®
• Calendula cream (e.g, My Girls™ Cream)
• Coconut oil
• Emu oil Aloe vera gel (alcohol, dye, and perfume-free)
• Miaderm Radiation Relief Lotion
• Dr. Greensfeld’s HealSkin
• Lindi Skin® Soothing Balm
• Radiation Rescue

Recommendations 

• Apply cream from the approved list twice daily, and then apply Aquaphor® at bedtime.
• Start skin care the PROOF first day of treatment.