Radiation treatment can cause skin problems, especially if combined with chemotherapy. This is called chemoradiation. It is used as the main treatment for some types of cancer. Many people use a cream during and after radiotherapy to soothe their skin. The right aftercare cream can help relieve dryness, redness, itching, and a feeling of tightness.
But how do you know which cream is right for your skin? What should you look for – and what should you avoid? In this article, you will find everything you need to make the right choice. So, your skin gets the care it deserves.
3 common skin reactions to radiation treatment
Radiation therapy can trigger different types of skin reactions. The most common are:
- Redness
- Dryness and flaking
- Superficial, moist wounds
Is your skin red, dry or flaking? Then a scar cream can help. It won’t prevent these symptoms, but it can reduce discomfort like tightness and itching.
Important: Do not apply cream to open wounds. Use a suitable dressing instead.
Always check with your health care professional first
Before using any cream, talk to your doctor. Some doctors may advise against applying creams during or even after radiation treatment.
Always check which ingredients are safe and let your healthcare provider know which cream you plan to use.
What to look for in a cream during radiation treatment
When choosing a cream, it’s important to pick one that is as gentle and neutral as possible. Go for a cream that:
- Contains no metals – metal particles can react during radiation and may damage your skin.
- Is unscented – fragrance-free creams are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
Also keep the following in mind when applying a cream:
- Be careful with radiotherapy skin markings – applying cream over them may cause blurring.
- Watch for allergic reactions – if your skin reacts badly, stop using the cream right away.
Why ALHYDRAN is a good choice
ALHYDRAN meets all the criteria for safe use during and after radiation treatment. It contains no metals, is fragrance-free, and is developed for sensitive and damaged skin. View all ingredients in ALHYDRAN.
Although ALHYDRAN is best known as a scar cream, it supports the skin in many situations. It soothes, protects and helps repair the skin barrier. Redness, dryness and flaking often improve quickly – and in many cases, disappear completely. ALHYDRAN is widely used in burn centres and hospitals to treat burn wounds – where symptoms like itching, tightness and flaking are often much more severe than after radiation.
This medical cream has shown to be helpful for both burn and radiation-related skin complaints. The photos below show the improvement after regular use of ALHYDRAN on radiotherapy-damaged skin.
Visible improvement in skin condition 5 days after using ALHYDRAN three times daily following radiotherapy.
Download this ALHYDRAN Radiotherapy case study.
