You may, for example, be advised to remove and bag up any clothing, shower thoroughly, and seal yourself indoors. You may also be ordered to evacuate with very short notice. Any burns that appear immediately due to a radiation emergency are likely to be thermal burns rather than radiation burns. These should be treated like serious burns in general—by removing clothing that isn’t burned in place, applying cool, damp coverings to the wound, and getting emergency help as soon as possible.
While radiation burns can occur due to acute radiation exposure, they’re often caused by beta radiation or low energy X-rays. These sources of radiation tend not to penetrate as deeply into the body, meaning you may not be immediately aware that you were exposed to radiation. Radiation burns may be diagnosed through a process of elimination that rules out other sources of burns, along with medical investigation of the likely radiation source.
A person suffering from radiation burns typically does not pose a threat of radiation contamination. However, depending on the circumstances, quarantine measures may be utilized.
Be prescribed oral pain medications. Be given antibiotics to reduce your risk of infection. Be instructed to clean and cover the burn in a specific fashion.
CRI symptoms often appear in fairly mild form within a few days of exposure, then disappear for several days or even a few weeks. They may then reappear in more or less severe forms on-and-off for weeks or months. In some cases, symptoms will appear for years after exposure.
Skin reactions vary widely, ranging from mild irritation or redness to open wounds or ulcers. The location and intensity of your radiation treatments may impact how your skin responds. Skin damage may be one of the many challenges you’ll face during your cancer battle. Talk openly with your care team and your loved ones about your concerns, fears, and questions. Always remember that you’re not facing this fight alone.
There isn’t a great deal of strong evidence at present to support any one particular topical treatment over others. You may be advised to try different alternatives one at a time to determine which works best for you.
Keeping the area clean is important to reduce the risk of infection should you end up with broken skin or lesions. Just make sure to be gentle!
Ask for advice on which brands of deodorants and other skin care products you can use. Your care team may be able to provide you with a list.
An electric shaver or trimmer is less likely to cause irritation than a razor, but the best option is to avoid hair removal altogether.
Prioritize comfort over fashion while you’re undergoing radiation therapy! It’s important to avoid friction for 2-4 weeks following treatment, so make sure that you avoid any skin-on-skin contact. Wear clothing that is loose-fitting, but that also covers areas where there might be friction, such as in your underarm area. [13] X Trustworthy Source BreastCancer. org Patient-focused nonprofit organization providing resources for those affected by breast cancer Go to source
Wearing an SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum sunscreen that is appropriate for your sensitive skin. Wearing long, loose clothing and a broad-brimmed hat. Staying indoors during the middle of the day, when the sun’s rays are most intense.
You’ll get specific instructions for cleaning and covering any open wounds. Avoid using adhesive tapes or bandages right on the sensitive skin in the treatment area. You may be given topical or oral medications to reduce your risk of infection. Use these as directed.
