There are a lot of unknowns that come with a cancer diagnosis and one life-saving treatment or solution can result in a myriad of side effects. Recently, a friend underwent radiation therapy after surgery to remove a tumor. As if she didn’t have enough to worry about, now she was nervous about the burns that might happen during her treatment. “It’s going to get really bad,” she said. “The doctors told me it was going to turn red, change color and might even blister or peel.” To help ease her mind, and anyone else’s walking this same journey, we tapped some top doctors who shared what they advise their patients to use.
What Happens to the Skin During Radiation Treatment?
Radiation dermatitis is a common side effect of radiation therapy used in cancer treatment, affecting the skin exposed to ionizing radiation. It typically manifests as skin redness, dryness, itching, peeling, and in severe cases, blistering or ulceration, with symptoms usually developing within weeks of starting treatment. While it affects over 90 percent of radiation therapy patients to some degree, the severity varies, and in most cases, it is temporary, resolving after treatment ends.
“During breast radiation therapy, the skin is self-healing all the time and constantly proliferating new cells,” says Fort Lauderdale, FL board-certified dermatologist Matthew Elias, MD. “Radiation causes an inflammatory reaction and knocks the skin out of its self-healing cycle, which prevents the skin from renewing itself.”
These changes usually peak about one to two weeks after the completion of radiation therapy and then start to improve. However, sometimes darkening of the skin or the tiny broken blood vessels (telangiectasia) can be permanent.
Anti-Inflammatory Steroid Cream
To manage these symptoms, Mountain Brook, AL board-certified dermatologist Holly Gunn, MD, advocates for a combination of treatments: “I recommend starting with Elidel, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory.” Elidel is a prescription topical used to treat mild to moderate eczema that helps control inflammation and supports skin repair during therapy.
Glendale, AZ board-certified dermatologist Tony Nuara, MD advises a combination approach: “Using steroids alongside bland emollients can effectively reduce redness and discomfort associated with radiation therapy.” Jasper, AL board-certified dermatologist Tony Adar, MD agrees, noting that topical steroids are specifically designed to address acute radiation dermatitis, providing targeted relief and promoting skin recovery.
Specialized Gel for Radiation Therapy
To specifically address radiation therapy–related reactions, Lincolnshire, IL board-certified dermatologist Amy Forman Taub, MD suggests StrataXRT, a specialized topical gel (doctor dispensed) designed for the prevention and treatment of radiation dermatitis. This product is formulated to manage and alleviate skin symptoms, making it a valuable addition to a patient’s skin-care regimen during therapy.
A Soothing Solution
Collectively, most of the doctors interviewed recommended Biafine. Biafine is a water-based topical emulsion cream originally developed in France in the 1970s. It is primarily used for the treatment and management of various skin conditions, particularly burns and wounds. Louisville, KY board-certified dermatologist Tami Buss Cassis, MD notes, “Biafine is invaluable during therapy for its ability to soothe and protect the skin.” It helps manage inflammation, redness and irritation, giving relief to patients feeling the effects of radiation therapy.
Alleviating Discomfort
For soothing relief, Bay Harbor Islands, FL board-certified dermatologist Melissa Chesler Lazarus, MD recommends calendula for calming down irritated skin. To cleanse the area without worsening the itching and irritation, New Orleans dermatologist Mary Lupo, MD suggests adding CLn Body Wash to your shower routine as it is noted for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Essential Emollients
Bloomfield Hills, MI board-certified dermatologist Linda C. Honet, MD stresses the need for gentle skin-care practices during radiation therapy: “Ensuring meticulous care with emollients and moisturizers is crucial to minimize skin inflammation and maintain its barrier function,” she explains. She suggests using rich products like LaRoche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 or Avene Cicalfate+ to provide intense hydration and protection to vulnerable areas.
Barrier protection is equally essential, notes Scottsdale, AZ board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mariel Bird, who also recommends La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 for its ability to support skin integrity during treatment.
Once I had a comprehensive list, I shared all this information with my friend to help and ease her mind that this too shall pass, and she reminded me of one crucial point: it’s essential to consult with your own healthcare provider before incorporating anything new into your skin care routine. Always, discuss your concerns, any developments and changes you notice in your skin with your physician first. Thankfully, my friend is following all the protocols and grateful she’s getting the life-saving therapy she needs, but this is one less thing she has to worry about.
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