Radiation skin reaction and using a moisturiser …

Radiation skin reaction and using a moisturiser …

Dr Dianne Smith recently wrote about the skin care challenges that individuals face when receiving radiation therapy. Around 95% of people who have radiation will experience an inflammatory skin reaction. Dr Smith states that “skin affected by radiotherapy has a tendency to dryness due to radiation ablation of the sebaceous glands.” The skin becomes itchy, flaky and structurally weaker which renders it more prone to minor trauma and infection. Paraffin based moisturisers are recommended to try and preserve skin hydration. Aqueous creams should be avoided – especially if they contain sodium lauryl sulphate.

Smith,D Radiotherapy-induced skin reaction. Lymph Exchange 2019;Feb:8-9.