Preguntas más frecuentes   /   Tipos de Cáncer   /   Cáncer de Seno   /   Cáncer de Seno

Using Lotions During Radiation

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Ultima Vez Modificado: 13 de diciembre del 2011

Question

Is it ok to put lotion on the area that is getting radiation to help with the dryness and burning?

Answer

Gary Freedman, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Penn , responds:

During radiation therapy to the breast, we recommend that you use a mild, unscented soap for washing each day. A gentle moisturizer can be used daily as long as not on the skin right before the treatment. 2-3 hours before a water-soluble cream can be used, then after treatment and bedtime. The lotion is to treat dryness from radiation and dermatits that causes redness or itching.

Some products are marketed as specially for radiation. It is not known if more expensive creams are 'better' than common moisturizer lotions. There are small studies that have shown benefits to one cream over another. An over the counter lotion can be used in most cases, and a radiation oncologist or radiation nurse can recommend a specialty cream if needed depending on the degree of dermatitis during radiation.

This question and answer was part of the OncoLink Brown Bag Chat. Series, View the Life After Breast Cancer transcript.