topic Re: Skin care during radiation in I've just been diagnosed

Skin care during radiation

angieh — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 08:40:28 GMT

Hello, I am due to commence radiation (35 treatments in 7 weeks) plus chemo. The radiation is on my tonsils, tongue, palate and some small nodes in neck. I understand there will be burning to the skin. Can I please have recommendations for what to put on my 56 year old skin during this time? I am happy to buy something but have no idea where to start. (The pharmacy aisle is too overwhelming). Thanks for any tips.

Re: Skin care during radiation

Katekat — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 05:02:40 GMT

Hi @Angie,

I just wanted to check in and see how you are doing today?

Was there a nurse at your place of treatment that spoke to you or is going to speak to you about what lies ahead? The nurse will recommend you get something soothing and gentle for your skin for example: sorbolene, aloe vera or paw paw creams.

You should be able to see the nurse at any time - you can also ask your radiation therapist to make an appointment for you if you need to. You may also want to enquire about using a mouthwash as your treatment progresses.

Does anyone else have any suggestions?? @CaptainAustrali or @Anonymous - you both might have some thoughts on this too.

Cheers,

Kate

-Cancer Council Online Community Manager

Re: Skin care during radiation

CaptainAustrali — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 07:54:29 GMT

When I did mine, I agreed to a clinical trial of a new skin cream (this was 3 years ago), I'm so sorry but I can't remember the product they were trialling but they wanted to prove that it statistically improved outcomes with regard to radiation burns and dermatitis.

About as useful as a concrete soccer ball, I am.

I don't actually know if it works or not, because I got the control group and was given sorbalene only .. and it was AWFUL, I had to quit the trial because the sorbalene gave no relief to some really nasty burns
BUT, this is where I may have something of use, and it might be cheaper and more accessible than this other stuff anyway:

MOO GOO

It's an off the shelf skin-care product, natural ingredients. When I had pain and stretchy, leathery skin from the radiation and needed to go off the sorbalene one of the senior nurses recommended MOO GOO and it was really good for relief. Rub it on generously, cover with a thick dressing, and your neck feels a bit better while it's healing up.

Re: Skin care during radiation

angieh — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 08:53:30 GMT

Thank you for helpful advice. A nurse also tol me Moogoo, bu didn’t say where to buy it. I have been googling chemist warehouse etc but no luck so far. I am sure I will find it eventually. Cheers

Re: Skin care during radiation

Lolie — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 09:43:22 GMT

I was given a gift pack containing samples of Moo Goo products when I started treatment and I wasn't overly impressed. You can order them directly from the Moo Goo website, though, and it's free shipping for orders over $80.

https://moogoo.com.au/

Another range of products which is often recommended by patients and healthcare workers is E45. Chemist Warehouse does stock that - I just bought the cream.

Re: Skin care during radiation

CaptainAustrali — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 12:05:02 GMT

Hey Hey - I can say firsthand moo goo provides relief and it doesn't sting or anything when applied. My severe burns really hurt when putting on basic stuff like sorbalene.

If you don't want to shop online, check the hospital pharmacy. If they have a radiation oncology ward, then they probably have a pharmacy that has moogoo on the shelf. (RBWH did). That's the best tip I can think of anyway, sorry if it doesn't yield fruit.

Re: Skin care during radiation

angieh — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 12:28:28 GMT

Oh that will be easy then because my treatment will be at RWH. I will find the pharmacy when I am there on Monday. Thanks for the tip.

Re: Skin care during radiation

Carlz9 — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 12:34:36 GMT

I agree, Moogoo has been great for me! If I was you I'd order online and order the 1 litre tubs. The Milk Wash is lovely and gentle, but cleansing and the Skin Milk Udder Cream is beautifully moisturizing. I use the code "livelovenourish" and get 15% off online. They do have a chemo pack that is good too.

Another natural brand I love is Weleda, they have a cream called Skin Food. It's super thick, if you find you need something stronger. But it is a bit more expensive.

Good luck with your treatment!

Re: Skin care during radiation

angieh — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 18:49:05 GMT

Hello, thank you for the tips.

I bought the Skin Milk Udder Cream. Can you tell me what you use for shampoo and conditioner? Apparently I will keep my hair, though it will get thinner and will lose some patch at the base of my hairline. Do you also use the Moo Goo hair products? Something else?

thanks for any tips you have,

Angela

Re: Skin care during radiation

Carlz9 — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 23:23:01 GMT

Hi Angela,

I know Moogoo do samples, you could email or call them and explain and ask for a couple of samples to check it doesn't irritate. They are really helpful, especially with medical stuff. Their deodorant and sunscreen is good too, if you're looking for something without all the toxins.

I've also switched my toothpaste to Grants mild mint, which you can get from Coles. My usual toothpaste was too strong. But my side effects are from chemo and an immunotherapy drug that effects your epidermal growth factor receptors, ie skin, mouth. So could be completely different.

Good luck!

Carly

Re: Skin care during radiation

angieh — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 22:22:23 GMT

thank you, those are great suggestions.

Re: Skin care during radiation

Budgie — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 22:47:00 GMT

Hi angieh,

I can't use a normal adult toothpaste because the mint really burns my mouth, so I just use Macleans 0-3years kids paste, & it does the job nicely. I only use a small amount - less than pea-sized, plenty of water on the brush (which is very soft), & rinse with a solution of salt & carb soda.
Just on the subject of toothbrushes- sometimes even the "soft" ones are quite hard, but you can buy really, really soft ones from www.curaden.com.au

Re: Skin care during radiation

Iyana271 — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 08:15:20 GMT

Hi there, It must be really hard for you to cope up with the side effects after treatment and you may want to get rid of that asap. I'll suggest you to get the consultation from your doctor, he can give you the best options as per his experience so that you can get rid of the burning without facing any other side effects.

Best Wishes!

Re: Skin care during radiation

CaptainAustrali — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 23:56:10 GMT

I remembered the name of that medicinal skin-care trial I participated in (but got the control group, so can't tell you if it's effective first-hand).

Strata XRT

(http://strataxrt.com/)

Not sure if it's available in Australia, but it can be bought online, haven't looked at the costs, just offering it up as info. In theory it's a medicinal skin-care treatment designed to both prophylactically help minimise radiation burns and dermatitis .. and also to treat/reduce after the fact.

Re: Skin care during radiation

Riny — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 03:17:44 GMT

Hi there I’ve had tongue ca twice and the radiation to mouth throat and neck can be tough. The nurses can help so do listen as things change every day. With radiation it’s the long term residual symptoms which can often get you down at times and so you’ll do much research on the net etc. Mouth washes will become too painful after the first few weeks so stick to soda bicarb with a little salt in water. Dry mouth solutions from your local pharmacy may not be enough. I found a product called Xylimelts is very helpful there but not until all has healed. Stay positive and know there’s help out there.

Re: Skin care during radiation

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 11:50:35 GMT

Hi Angie and Kate - I was on a trial for StrataXRT during my first round of radiation (35 x 2gray doses) and its made a big difference compared to other people on the trial using Sorbolene. When I had my second round of treatment (35 x 1.8gray doses) I also used as it had beecome the sntadard for care at RBWH as a result of the great trial outcome. If your hospital doesn't provide it you can buy it online, a $120 tube will get you through about 4 weeks, 3 tubes for your full treatment counting a month after the radiation doses end.

Other than that, remember a hat and cover up, but don't use sunscreen during radiation treatment because the zinc oxide can react badly to the radiation energy and make the burning worse.

Sorry I'm late to chime into this one, hopefully you're progressing well.

Shane

Re: Skin care during radiation

angieh — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 23:25:32 GMT

Hello and thank you for the information.

Can you please tell me -

1. did you only put the StrataX on areas of your face that was being targeted?

2. Or did you put it on entire face regardless?

3. Did you only apply once a day before treatment?

4. Or instead did you apply it twice a day?

I have conflicting info on the correct way to apply it and would really appreciate your thoughts.

I am just finishing week 4 of my treatment, so 3 weeks to go. I know things are going to get more painful and difficult and hope I can continue to see the glimmer of light at the end of this dark tunnel.

Thank you for any advice you have

Angela

Re: Skin care during radiation

Iyana271 — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 11:16:51 GMT

I hope the upcoming 3 weeks of treatment will not be so hard for you and you'll survive through the pain. But I'm just curious that due to the current outbreak of COVID-19 how are you getting your treatment?

Re: Skin care during radiation

angieh — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 05:43:26 GMT

Nothing has changed and my treatment continues as normal. The hospital has put in a lot of effort to discourage any visitors or non-essential people being there. They have stopped nonessential surgeries and at this stage, there are beds available for the sick. I am praying that nothing delays the last 3 weeks of treatment.

Re: Skin care during radiation

Iyana271 — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 05:10:33 GMT

I can understand that this time is really worrisome due to COVID-19 and many people are having a hard time due to this virus. Even I'm also facing this situation where I'm prohibited the go for my regular checkup.

But for you, I'll pray for you that nothing delays your treatment and you'll get your treatment as planned.

Keep in touch with your doctor and talk with him whenever required. I hope you'll get well soon.

Best of luck!