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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects Of Radiotherapy?

I have had three weeks of radiotherapy after a left breast lumpectomy, and had no side effects until yesterday, when I developed an itchy heat rash mainly in an area not covered by my bra. Is there anything I can put on it to reduce the itching? I am using Aloe Vera Gel already.
Fri, 30 May 2014
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Oncologist,  's  Response
Hi. The itchy heat rash is called radiation dermatitis. It is seondary to radiation induced skin damage.
During radiation therapy you can minimize radiation induced dermatitis by the following:
1. Wear loose fitting clothes. Tight clothes will rub against skin worsening skin damage.
2. Wear 100% cotton clothes. Avoid silk, nylon, polyester.
3. Avoid wearing undergarments (brassiere)
4. Keep using aloe vera cream
5. Use aqua based creams. No oil based as they form a layer on skin thus increasing skin dose by radiation therapy.
6. Avoid applying body sprays/deodrants as they are irritants to damaged skin.

For the radiation dermatitis already there, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream twice daily.

I hope your query has been answered. If you have any further questions I will be more than happy to answer. Thankyou for using Healthcare Magic.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Radiotherapy?

Hi. The itchy heat rash is called radiation dermatitis. It is seondary to radiation induced skin damage. During radiation therapy you can minimize radiation induced dermatitis by the following: 1. Wear loose fitting clothes. Tight clothes will rub against skin worsening skin damage. 2. Wear 100% cotton clothes. Avoid silk, nylon, polyester. 3. Avoid wearing undergarments (brassiere) 4. Keep using aloe vera cream 5. Use aqua based creams. No oil based as they form a layer on skin thus increasing skin dose by radiation therapy. 6. Avoid applying body sprays/deodrants as they are irritants to damaged skin. For the radiation dermatitis already there, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream twice daily. I hope your query has been answered. If you have any further questions I will be more than happy to answer. Thankyou for using Healthcare Magic.