Radiation treatment is a powerful step towards defeating cancer, but sometimes, it can leave behind skin irritation or burns. The good news? With the right care and a little patience, radiation burns can be soothed and healed effectively. Let’s talk about simple, gentle ways to take care of your skin and keep you feeling as comfortable as possible on your healing journey.
Overview : What are Radiation Burns?
Radiation burns, also known as Radiation Dermatitis, is a condition developed as a side effect of the radiotherapy while treating Cancer. More than 1 million people in India receive radiation therapy and ~90% of these people develop radiation-induced skin reaction or injury.
Most of the radiation burns are mild and go on their own, but ~20% of the patients develop serious symptoms affecting daily life and make them unwilling to continue radiation therapy. In that case, your healthcare provider will closely monitor and check side effects of Radiation and will provide care to reduce side effects and minimize discomfort.
What are the Symptoms and Causes of Radiation Therapy Burns?
Radiation therapy takes place for several days to weeks depending on the symptoms that can be observed during therapy or after treatment has been done. Some of the common Radiation burn symptoms include:-
- Reddening or darkening of skin
- Itchy skin
- Dry or peeling skin
- Blistering at the treatment site
- Open sores under the armpits or breasts
Symptoms of radiation burns vary depending on the severity of the burn. These can be categorized into stages, such as:
First Degree burn- Also called superficial burn, it affects the epidermis(outer layer of skin), causing pain and redness of the skin.
Second-degree burn- this type of burn affects both the Epidermis and the Dermis(the second layer of skin). It may cause swelling or blistering or even scarring with terrible pain requires immediate medical attention.
Third-degree burn- It involves the complete layer of the skin and can also affect the muscles and tissues beneath the skin. It makes skin look leathery and can also destroy nerve cells leading to little or no pain.
Causes of Radiation Therapy Burns
Radiation therapy uses a highly concentrated X-ray beam that strikes the affected part and produces free radicals as part of the reaction leading to tissue or DNA damage(if therapy persists)
With continuous radiation exposure, the skin does not have time to heal between the doses, which eventually causes the skin to develop side effects at the treatment site such as sore, peeling or itchy skin.
Risk Factors
Anyone who is undergoing radiation therapy is at high risk of Radiation burn, But several studies and report reveals that the people who have radiation therpy for breast cancer, head and neck cancer or cancer near your skin such as skin cancer or anal cancer.
Some of the other risk factors that can cause Radiation burn are
Smoking- Reduces tissue oxygenation, affects wound healing and increases the severity of radiation therapy.
History of sunburn- People with sunburn have more skin sensitivity to radiation.
Children- They are more sensitive towards radiation as their cells are actively dividing, making them more prone to the radiation.
Other therapy- Concurrent chemotherapy along with radiotherapy can increase the risk of radiation burns.
Medical Conditions- People with conditions such as Gorlin Syndrome, ataxia telangiectasia, or xeroderma pigmentosum are more sensitive to the skin radiation.
Diagnosis and Tests : How Radiation Burns are Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will do a physical examination of the affected region and ask about the history of radiation therapy, and will guide you accordingly as you go through the treatment.
Management and Prevention
Keep your skin clean and dry- Always wash your affected skin with mild soap and lukewarm water, don’t scratch your skin, and always pat dry with a soft towel after showers.
Use skin Products wisely- While you are undergoing radiation therapy, consult with your doctor first before using any skin care products. Your doctor may prescribe cleansing, protective, moisturizing, drying, anti-itch, or anti-inflammatory agents. Your doctor may also advise you to avoid skin care products for at least four hours before treatment.
Be gentle on your skin- Use an electric razor instead of a regular razor in the affected area to avoid cuts. Do not use pre-shave lotion, aftershave, or hair removal products. If you need to bandage the area, use paper rather than adhesive tape, and try to apply the tape outside of the treatment area.
Wear Loose clothing- Choose loose clothes and don’t rub against the skin affected by radiation.
Eat well and stay Hydrated- A healthy, well-balanced diet is important for healthy skin and also helps the body tolerate cancer treatments, fight infection, and rebuild tissue. A registered dietitian may help develop an appropriate meal plan for you. In addition, try to drink plenty of fluids each day to keep your body hydrated. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
Stay out of the sun.– The sun may burn you even on overcast days. You will need to protect previously radiated skin from the sun even after radiation therapy is over. If you must be in the sun, use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and wear a hat and protective clothing. Do not use tanning beds.
Stay cool- Avoid high temperatures. Take showers or short, cool baths instead of long, hot baths. Avoid using heating pads, hot water bottles, or ice packs. Also, dress properly, as extreme weather conditions may worsen and/or cause dry skin reactions. Your skin will likely feel better in cool, humid places.
Always check your skin- It’s important to check your skin daily to look for any changes that may lead to infection. Let your healthcare provider know if your skin looks or feels different, or if you notice any cuts or open areas. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat infection, antihistamines to reduce swelling or itching, and/or pain medications to alleviate discomfort.
A final thought
Radiation burns are a common side effect of cancer therapy, but with the right care, they can be managed effectively. The key is gentle, consistent skincare—using mild, fragrance-free products, prescribed topical treatments, and keeping the affected area clean and moisturized. Avoid sun exposure and tight clothing, and never self-medicate without consulting your oncologist or dermatologist. With medical guidance, patience, and proper care, most radiation burns heal well over time, allowing the patient to stay focused on their recovery journey.
FAQs Related to Radiation Therapy Burns
1. How can I treat radiation burns from cancer treatment?
Gently cleanse the skin, use doctor-recommended creams like aloe vera or corticosteroids, and avoid sun, heat, and tight clothing. Always follow your oncologist’s advice. Most radiation burns heal within a few weeks after treatment.
2. How long does it usually take for radiation burns to heal?
Mild radiation burns can improve within a few weeks after you finish treatment. Depending on your skin type, it may be sensitive for a month or in severe conditions may take longer.
3. Will radiation burns require stopping cancer radiation therapy?
Most people can continue their treatment depending on symptoms; your healthcare provider may adjust treatment, so they don’t get worse or develop new symptoms.
