Question on radiation burned skin

Kraut
Kraut Member Posts: 22
in Anal Cancer #1
Hi all,
I'm new to the board as I can not get my husband the anal cancer patient to join. It has been a tough ride for us. My husband was diagnosed with anal cancer on Aug. 31st. Nov.2nd he completed his 2nd chemo tx, also his last radiation. His groin and anal area is totally raw, the groin skin is split and oozing. He was told to apply Calmoseptine to keep the skin moist. Problem is this stuff is not sticking to the oozing part of the skin. Any hints from some of you that "have been there, done that" so to speak? Any help would be appreciated, my heart aches for him.

Comments

  • mxperry220
    mxperry220 Member Posts: 496 Member
    #2
    Aquaphor
    I used Aquaphor on my groin and anal area. This can be bought over the counter at Target, Kroger, CVS, etc. It was the only ointment that worked for me.
    Mike
  • Kraut
    Kraut Member Posts: 22
    #3
    mxperry220 said:

    Aquaphor
    I used Aquaphor on my groin and anal area. This can be bought over the counter at Target, Kroger, CVS, etc. It was the only ointment that worked for me.
    Mike

    Thanks Mike, we have some on
    Thanks Mike, we have some on hand. I will get Larry to change to it.
  • Kraut
    Kraut Member Posts: 22
    #4
    mxperry220 said:

    Aquaphor
    I used Aquaphor on my groin and anal area. This can be bought over the counter at Target, Kroger, CVS, etc. It was the only ointment that worked for me.
    Mike

    Aquaphor
    My husband wondered if you tried other creams before going to the Aquaphor?
  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #5
    Hi
    Welcome to our family. I have been on both sides of the fence, caregiver for husband going through bone marrow transplant and anal cancer/breast cancer myself. My husband does not have interest in joining groups on line or in person either. You have both made it this far, so congrats on that, the healing will come sooner than you expect. I used a spray called Dermoplast, also bought OTC at Target, Walgreens, and others. I liked it because it was a spray and easy to apply. It is often recommended for women after childbirth, and can be applied several times per day. Keep us posted on how things are going, and take good care of yourself also, your husband is lucky to have you for help. I will have you both in my thoughts for a quick recovery!
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #6
    Domeboro
    You could also try this product, which I believe is OTC. Soak gauze pads in this and apply to the affected areas. I have not tried it myself, but many people say it works.

    I am sorry your husband has had to go through this, bringing you to this site. I applaud you for being his advocate. It is hard for some people to get on sites such as this and talk to total strangers about such private issues. However, we all understand because of own experiences. Come here anytime you have questions or just need a shoulder. I wish your husband all the best in his recovery and hope he will be feeling better very soon!
  • mxperry220
    mxperry220 Member Posts: 496 Member
    #7
    Kraut said:

    Aquaphor
    My husband wondered if you tried other creams before going to the Aquaphor?

    Yes
    Yes I did and Aquaphor worked the best for me. I tried three prescription ointments and none of them worked for me like the Aquaphor.
    Mike
  • StruTanToot
    StruTanToot Member Posts: 126 Member
    #8
    I'm a male who completed
    I'm a male who completed treatment on Oct. 8.

    My doctor gave me a prescription for Acquafor with Lidocaine. Acquafor worked well for me, even without the Lidocaine.

    I want to share with you what I did...I really think this might be a good solution for your husband.

    AFTER treatment ended, I started trying to use less ointment and started trying to get as much air to the area as possible. I put a fan on each side of my bed and also put pillows under my knees. Of course, I did not cover the area. Also, it had started turning cold here, so I put my electric blanket under me and a towel down where my buttocks were.

    Anyway, the reason for having a fan on each side of the bed was so I would have air when I laid on my right side or left side. I laid on my side, and just stuck my bare behind out from under the covers and let the fan blow on it. You need the fan at the same height, so be sure to remember that if you try this and need to buy fans. One of mine has a stand, the other I set on something.

    I did not have any serious problems around the genital area. It sounds like your husband does. I think having two fans would work great for him...he could be on his side and one fan would blow on the front and one on the back. I got tired of laying on one side, so having this set up allowed me to switch from side to side. Also, with pillows under my knees, some air could get to the area when I was on my back.

    This worked really well for me. It seems that it might be good for your husband since his skin is oozing. Also, I might use some neosporin in the area to prevent infection.

    All the best to your husband and to you. I even appreciate you and am glad he has you.

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