Radiotherapy skin care is essential for anyone undergoing cancer treatment with radiation. Radiotherapy works by targeting and killing cancer cells. It can also affect surrounding healthy tissue, including the skin. Taking care of your skin during and after radiotherapy can help relieve symptoms, improve comfort, and support faster skin recovery.
Radiotherapy can damage the skin barrier, the outermost layer of skin that retains moisture and protects against irritants. This disruption can lead to visible and uncomfortable skin reactions, especially in the area being treated.
Common skin-related side effects of radiotherapy include:
When the skin barrier is compromised, it becomes more vulnerable to:
Skin care during and after radiotherapy can help to:
Not all skin care products are suitable during radiation therapy. It’s essential to choose a product that is:
ALHYDRAN is a medical-grade moisturising cream developed for skin with a damaged barrier, including skin affected by radiation therapy. It is widely used by cancer centres, dermatologists, and skin therapists to:
Made with fresh Aloe Vera gel, natural oils, and antioxidants (including vitamins C and E), ALHYDRAN contains no added fragrances, parabens and hormones. It spreads easily, absorbs quickly, and is gentle enough for even the most sensitive, irradiated skin.
During radiotherapy, the skin is exposed to repeated damage. As treatment progresses, the affected area may become increasingly irritated — resulting in symptoms such as redness, tightness, dryness, and even radiation burns. ALHYDRAN helps care for this vulnerable skin by:
Because the cream is absorbed quickly, no additional cleaning is needed before or after application – making it convenient and comfortable to use throughout treatment. Many patients experience fast relief from pain, itching, and redness, helping them continue radiotherapy with fewer skin-related interruptions.
Relieves pain, itching and redness
Protects and keeps the skin supple (hydrated)
Speeds up the repair of the skin
Excellent cream and efficient to use. Great for treatment at home after radiation. My skin is recovering quickly.
During and after a radiotherapy process I have used ALHYDRAN. It works great! It soothes the skin and makes the radiation area soft and supple. The scar is hardly visible anymore. I don't want anything else!
My skin was burned after radiation. ALHYDRAN is a great product, the skin repairs well and it prevents itching.
During the course of radiation sessions the skin is damaged and skin problems can occur at the radiation site. Initially there will be redness, later on the skin often becomes dry and starts itching and flaking, and a burning sensation develops. Ultimately, blisters and wounds may appear: radiation burns.
Mild skin reactions such as redness, itching and a burning sensation usually appear around two weeks after the first radiation. People with sensitive skin may experience these symptoms earlier. After that the skin reactions will gradually worsen and become more problematic.
Skin reactions and problems generally disappear within four to six weeks after completion of the course of radiotherapy, even if the skin has opened. The dark-red or brown skin discolouration gradually fades, although sometimes leaving the skin a little darker.
To identify the severity of skin problems after radiation, a grading system has been devised. The higher the grade (0-4) the more severe the skin damage.
No reaction of the skin.
The skin becomes dry and red, may feel painful and starts to itch.
The skin reaction worsens, and redness and pain increase. Blisters appear. The skin itches more and opens in places.
More blisters and wounds appear. The wound weeps a lot.
Hydrating cream for radiotherapy after-care
The information on this page does not replace medical advice. Always follow the treatment plan and skin care instructions provided by your healthcare professional.
If you experience severe or worsening skin reactions — such as intense pain, open wounds, or signs of infection — contact your treating physician or radiotherapy team immediately.
If you are unsure whether a product is suitable for your skin or have any doubts about your symptoms, please consult your healthcare provider.
