Neck Lotion Suggestions

DCH21
DCH21 Member Posts: 33
edited March 2013 in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hello all !

I had my 15 th rad treatment this morning ( 20 more to go) and my neck is starting to itch a bit. I checked the mirror and both sides are showing a small amount of redness.

I have read that this situation can get bad and I am wondering if there is a pro-active approach I can take to possiibly head off or at least diminish the coming damage ????

Are there any cremes or lotions that you would suggest ??

 

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Take Care,

DennisSmile

«1

Comments

  • cureitall66
    cureitall66 Member Posts: 913
    #2
    Aloe Vera Gel or Prescribed Silver Sulfadiazine cream...

    Hi Dennis! Sorry your having to go through this. I'm a caregiver to a loved one that finished his tx around early December. When tx started we lathered Aloe Vera Gel ( be sure no alcohol in it and PURE ALOE 100%- Walmart) every day after tx and evening. Just be sure to wash it off good before tx the next day. Be careful washing off as your skin is very sensitive. Your doctor or nurse practioner should be alerted and they can prescribe some of the Silver Sulfadiazine Cream.....that works wonders when things start to get more red and the Aloe vera doesn't help any longer. Be sure to get the script filled soon, so that it's available when you need it. I think some folks wrapped their necks with some gauze also after putting the cream on to keep the cool air from it. Be sure to also wash this off before tx....but be careful. Hope this helps...Laughing.

    Best to you,

    ~C       

  • DCH21
    DCH21 Member Posts: 33
    #3
    cureitall66 said:

    Aloe Vera Gel or Prescribed Silver Sulfadiazine cream...

    Hi Dennis! Sorry your having to go through this. I'm a caregiver to a loved one that finished his tx around early December. When tx started we lathered Aloe Vera Gel ( be sure no alcohol in it and PURE ALOE 100%- Walmart) every day after tx and evening. Just be sure to wash it off good before tx the next day. Be careful washing off as your skin is very sensitive. Your doctor or nurse practioner should be alerted and they can prescribe some of the Silver Sulfadiazine Cream.....that works wonders when things start to get more red and the Aloe vera doesn't help any longer. Be sure to get the script filled soon, so that it's available when you need it. I think some folks wrapped their necks with some gauze also after putting the cream on to keep the cool air from it. Be sure to also wash this off before tx....but be careful. Hope this helps...Laughing.

    Best to you,

    ~C       

    Thanks for the reply

    Thanks for the reply cureitall66 !

     

    I will pick up some Aloe tomorrow and ask my Doctor about the Silver Cream when I see him next.

     

    Thanks Again,

     

    DennisSmile

  • cureitall66
    cureitall66 Member Posts: 913
    #4
    DCH21 said:

    Thanks for the reply

    Thanks for the reply cureitall66 !

     

    I will pick up some Aloe tomorrow and ask my Doctor about the Silver Cream when I see him next.

     

    Thanks Again,

     

    DennisSmile

    Aquaphor

    Dennis,

    Boardwalkgirl posted on one of her threads that she used Aquaphor cream (Walmart) and her neck stayed nice and smooth.

    Don't get discouraged when you see the red rawness start...I know it hurts, but remember it's temporary. I think you will find the Silver Cream will be good when that occurs. Loved ones neck looks like nothing ever happened to it and it was pretty raw. If you get a chance to look at Tim6003's profile you can see his neck was pretty raw/peeling and he used the Silver Cream and was very happy with results he got.

    ~Cris  

  • DCH21
    DCH21 Member Posts: 33
    #5
    cureitall66 said:

    Aquaphor

    Dennis,

    Boardwalkgirl posted on one of her threads that she used Aquaphor cream (Walmart) and her neck stayed nice and smooth.

    Don't get discouraged when you see the red rawness start...I know it hurts, but remember it's temporary. I think you will find the Silver Cream will be good when that occurs. Loved ones neck looks like nothing ever happened to it and it was pretty raw. If you get a chance to look at Tim6003's profile you can see his neck was pretty raw/peeling and he used the Silver Cream and was very happy with results he got.

    ~Cris  

    Thanks ~Cris , I just saw her

    Thanks ~Cris , I just saw her post.

    I don't know how I missed it earlier. ??

    I will take a look at Tim's profile as you suggest.

     

    Take Care,

     

    DennisSmile

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #6
    cureitall66 said:

    Aquaphor

    Dennis,

    Boardwalkgirl posted on one of her threads that she used Aquaphor cream (Walmart) and her neck stayed nice and smooth.

    Don't get discouraged when you see the red rawness start...I know it hurts, but remember it's temporary. I think you will find the Silver Cream will be good when that occurs. Loved ones neck looks like nothing ever happened to it and it was pretty raw. If you get a chance to look at Tim6003's profile you can see his neck was pretty raw/peeling and he used the Silver Cream and was very happy with results he got.

    ~Cris  

    i also used aquaphor and it

    i also used aquaphor and it helped a lot.  good luck and God bless.

    deb

  • Duggie88
    Duggie88 Member Posts: 760 Member
    #7
    Neck Lotion

    Hi Dennis

    Congrats on 1/3 complete. They gave me all the Keri lotion I wanted throughout my radiation. I wasn't real consistant on applying it and that may have been one of those manly things. (Guys just don't use lotions for smooth skin)

    Ahhhh but wait I am looking at a bottle of it now, and now I know why I didn't use it much. It states clearly FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY and anyone who knows me will say I am far from being professional. I knew there was something more than just that manly thing.

    30 more.................before you know it they will be 30 days gone

    Enjoy the day

          Jeff

  • DCH21
    DCH21 Member Posts: 33
    #8
    Duggie88 said:

    Neck Lotion

    Hi Dennis

    Congrats on 1/3 complete. They gave me all the Keri lotion I wanted throughout my radiation. I wasn't real consistant on applying it and that may have been one of those manly things. (Guys just don't use lotions for smooth skin)

    Ahhhh but wait I am looking at a bottle of it now, and now I know why I didn't use it much. It states clearly FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY and anyone who knows me will say I am far from being professional. I knew there was something more than just that manly thing.

    30 more.................before you know it they will be 30 days gone

    Enjoy the day

          Jeff

    Howdy Jeff,
    I corrected my

    Howdy Jeff,

    I corrected my original post. I have 20 more rad treatments not thirty, thank goodness. ( I hope)

    I will ask my wife to slather the lotion on and avoid a guilt trip. My soft skin will be for her benefit.Smile

     

    DennisSmile

     

  • Duggie88
    Duggie88 Member Posts: 760 Member
    #9
    DCH21 said:

    Howdy Jeff,
    I corrected my

    Howdy Jeff,

    I corrected my original post. I have 20 more rad treatments not thirty, thank goodness. ( I hope)

    I will ask my wife to slather the lotion on and avoid a guilt trip. My soft skin will be for her benefit.Smile

     

    DennisSmile

     

    20

    Dennis

    20 more?????? see how quickly they go......seems like an hour ago you had 30. Your's are definately going quicker than mine.

    My wife was in charge of my drugs and since I didn't want to OD, I felt it best to keep her away from the cream, besides she would have enjoyed telling my friends how she rubs cream on my neck. Thats my excuse and I'm sticking with it.

    have a great weekend

          Jeff

  • hlrowe
    hlrowe Member Posts: 80
    #10
    cureitall66 said:

    Aloe Vera Gel or Prescribed Silver Sulfadiazine cream...

    Hi Dennis! Sorry your having to go through this. I'm a caregiver to a loved one that finished his tx around early December. When tx started we lathered Aloe Vera Gel ( be sure no alcohol in it and PURE ALOE 100%- Walmart) every day after tx and evening. Just be sure to wash it off good before tx the next day. Be careful washing off as your skin is very sensitive. Your doctor or nurse practioner should be alerted and they can prescribe some of the Silver Sulfadiazine Cream.....that works wonders when things start to get more red and the Aloe vera doesn't help any longer. Be sure to get the script filled soon, so that it's available when you need it. I think some folks wrapped their necks with some gauze also after putting the cream on to keep the cool air from it. Be sure to also wash this off before tx....but be careful. Hope this helps...Laughing.

    Best to you,

    ~C       

    During treatments (I had 35

    During treatments (I had 35 which finished June 12th last year) my RO gave me RadiaGel. When treatments finished I used Aquaphor.

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #11
    Along for the Ride...

    My opinion...

    Everyone being different..., you just gotta hang on for the ride and see where it takes you...

    For me, I never really got worse than a bad peeling sun-burn with dark dry skin..., easily washed off with warm soothing showers.

    I did try the free sample of AquaPhor...way too thick and greasy for me.., but I can't stand hand lotion on my hands...slimy, LOL...fish guts yes, lotion, ummm nooo.

    If it gets sever, you can get a script for Silvadene, the stuff for burn victims..., messy but definitely good from what I hear.

    Hang in there and hang on for the ride...

    JG

  • alligatorpointer
    alligatorpointer Member Posts: 131
    #12
    Medline REMEDY Skin Repair Cream with Olivamine

    My son's Rad Onc gave him a sample of Medline REMEDY Skin Repair Cream with Olivamine and told him to slather his neck with it several times a day starting with the first rad treatment.  My son did apply it every morning before driving to his 7am rad treatments every weekday and then several times later each day and before going to bed.  His neck turned just slightly red, like a mild sun-burn  ...never peeled, never raw, never sore on his exterior skin surface.  I was able to shop online and order through Amazon.com more tubes of the Medline REMEDY Skin Repair Cream with Olivamine (sorry it has such a long name).  It comes in 4oz tubes which are handy to carry around and also comes in a large bottle with a plunger-type dispenser.  It is absorbed quickly and has a pleasant scent reminiscent of orange-mango.  I have not seen anyone else on this forum say that their Rad Onc gave them this same cream to use ... but I know it apparently saved my son's neck from any severe exterior side-effects.  His beard did stop growing on his neck below his beard-line so he now looks clean-shaven in that area, and the skin is smooth and healthy looking. 

  • DCH21
    DCH21 Member Posts: 33
    #13
    alligatorpointer said:

    Medline REMEDY Skin Repair Cream with Olivamine

    My son's Rad Onc gave him a sample of Medline REMEDY Skin Repair Cream with Olivamine and told him to slather his neck with it several times a day starting with the first rad treatment.  My son did apply it every morning before driving to his 7am rad treatments every weekday and then several times later each day and before going to bed.  His neck turned just slightly red, like a mild sun-burn  ...never peeled, never raw, never sore on his exterior skin surface.  I was able to shop online and order through Amazon.com more tubes of the Medline REMEDY Skin Repair Cream with Olivamine (sorry it has such a long name).  It comes in 4oz tubes which are handy to carry around and also comes in a large bottle with a plunger-type dispenser.  It is absorbed quickly and has a pleasant scent reminiscent of orange-mango.  I have not seen anyone else on this forum say that their Rad Onc gave them this same cream to use ... but I know it apparently saved my son's neck from any severe exterior side-effects.  His beard did stop growing on his neck below his beard-line so he now looks clean-shaven in that area, and the skin is smooth and healthy looking. 

    Thanks 'gator' and to all who

    Thanks 'gator' and to all who have replied so far.

    I could be off on my thinking but it just makes sense to me that there are some things that can be done to mitigate the side effects of my treatment if I get an early start.

    I have read stories on the web where people have complained about terrible neck problems and in those cases they were prescribed medication after the damage was done. That is why I asked about the creme/lotions.

    I have read where people have come down with terrible sores in their mouth and throat and were prescribed medication after the fact.

    I am hoping to keep my side effects under the best control I can.

    I have been brushing my teeth and rinsing my mouth ( salt/soda) 5 times a day since day 1.

     

    I feel trouble is on the way though. My throat is starting to get sore. My doctor said he will prescribe something when things get tough for me.

     

    I don't want to wait another day if there is something elese I could be doing ?

     

    Any ideas ?

     

    Thanks for help.

     

     

    DennisSmile

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #14
    Aquafor was for me

    was like putting vasoline on my neck....I couldn't stand it.....my RO suggested Calendula cream.  It worked great for me, along with the aloe vera.....Might as well have a few things on hand.....if one thing doesn't work, another will.

    p

  • alligatorpointer
    alligatorpointer Member Posts: 131
    #15
    DCH21 said:

    Thanks 'gator' and to all who

    Thanks 'gator' and to all who have replied so far.

    I could be off on my thinking but it just makes sense to me that there are some things that can be done to mitigate the side effects of my treatment if I get an early start.

    I have read stories on the web where people have complained about terrible neck problems and in those cases they were prescribed medication after the damage was done. That is why I asked about the creme/lotions.

    I have read where people have come down with terrible sores in their mouth and throat and were prescribed medication after the fact.

    I am hoping to keep my side effects under the best control I can.

    I have been brushing my teeth and rinsing my mouth ( salt/soda) 5 times a day since day 1.

     

    I feel trouble is on the way though. My throat is starting to get sore. My doctor said he will prescribe something when things get tough for me.

     

    I don't want to wait another day if there is something elese I could be doing ?

     

    Any ideas ?

     

    Thanks for help.

     

     

    DennisSmile

    Mugard

    It is unfortunate that the word about Mugard has apparently not reached all of the Rad Onc doctors.  It works best if started on the first day of rad tx.  But better late than never, especially if you have not yet developed any mouth sores...it might still prevent them.  Mugard is relatively new and the insurance companies have been slow to get on board with coverage.  It is used to coat and protect the surfaces inside the mouth and throat so that mouth sores can be minimized or prevented.  I found out about Mugard during my own search for information when my son was first diagnosed and asked his Rad Onc about it during the pre-treatment consults.  The doctor had never had any patients use it but was willing to consider having my son give it a try.  I had to contact the company representative myself by calling the contact phone number on the mugard dot com website.  The Mugard company was able to find out that my son's insurance would not cover the cost, so the Mugard company provided it free of charge just to be able to have my son's medical team see that it was so beneficial in preventing mouth sores during rad tx.  I would encourage you to look at the Mugard website and try to get a supply as quickly as possible.  Your doctor's nurse will have to fill out and fax the online form/prescription to the Mugard company since Mugard is not carried in most pharmacies and will need to be shipped to you directly from the Mugard company.  My son used Mugard faithfully ... swishing it around all his oral surfaces about six times per day during the 7 weeks of treatment.  He did not develop any mouth sores.  After seeing that it worked so well for my son, the Rad Onc is now prescribing it for all of his mouth and throat cancer patients.  Check out the website   www.mugard.com

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #16
    DCH21 said:

    Thanks 'gator' and to all who

    Thanks 'gator' and to all who have replied so far.

    I could be off on my thinking but it just makes sense to me that there are some things that can be done to mitigate the side effects of my treatment if I get an early start.

    I have read stories on the web where people have complained about terrible neck problems and in those cases they were prescribed medication after the damage was done. That is why I asked about the creme/lotions.

    I have read where people have come down with terrible sores in their mouth and throat and were prescribed medication after the fact.

    I am hoping to keep my side effects under the best control I can.

    I have been brushing my teeth and rinsing my mouth ( salt/soda) 5 times a day since day 1.

     

    I feel trouble is on the way though. My throat is starting to get sore. My doctor said he will prescribe something when things get tough for me.

     

    I don't want to wait another day if there is something elese I could be doing ?

     

    Any ideas ?

     

    Thanks for help.

     

     

    DennisSmile

    Don't Wish for Pain

    LOL..., think positive...

    Like I said, I had very few problems, no mouth sores, no thick choking phlegm (though I had Amifostine Injections each day just before rads, as di Phrannie)... I had no PEG, got through fine with numbing meds, Ensures, water and a few sliced peaches...

    Not everyone has the worst of the side effects..., and I'm not the only one with minimal sides...

    But unfortunately, a lot of what you are trying to be pro-active on this time, you just won't know until it hits you.

    I did start drying out within a few days of rads... Never felt much going on during, but later in the day could feel the dryness.

    Again, mine was only like a very bad sunburn...

    My many time daily rince was a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in a small amount of water.

    JG

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #17
    alligatorpointer said:

    Mugard

    It is unfortunate that the word about Mugard has apparently not reached all of the Rad Onc doctors.  It works best if started on the first day of rad tx.  But better late than never, especially if you have not yet developed any mouth sores...it might still prevent them.  Mugard is relatively new and the insurance companies have been slow to get on board with coverage.  It is used to coat and protect the surfaces inside the mouth and throat so that mouth sores can be minimized or prevented.  I found out about Mugard during my own search for information when my son was first diagnosed and asked his Rad Onc about it during the pre-treatment consults.  The doctor had never had any patients use it but was willing to consider having my son give it a try.  I had to contact the company representative myself by calling the contact phone number on the mugard dot com website.  The Mugard company was able to find out that my son's insurance would not cover the cost, so the Mugard company provided it free of charge just to be able to have my son's medical team see that it was so beneficial in preventing mouth sores during rad tx.  I would encourage you to look at the Mugard website and try to get a supply as quickly as possible.  Your doctor's nurse will have to fill out and fax the online form/prescription to the Mugard company since Mugard is not carried in most pharmacies and will need to be shipped to you directly from the Mugard company.  My son used Mugard faithfully ... swishing it around all his oral surfaces about six times per day during the 7 weeks of treatment.  He did not develop any mouth sores.  After seeing that it worked so well for my son, the Rad Onc is now prescribing it for all of his mouth and throat cancer patients.  Check out the website   www.mugard.com

    Mugard saved me from

    mouth sores during radiation, too.....it didn't work during the 5FU treatment, but I think that was because the sores came on so fast and furious....it just couldn't keep up.

    p

  • Tim6003
    Tim6003 Member Posts: 1,514 Member
    #18
    phrannie51 said:

    Aquafor was for me

    was like putting vasoline on my neck....I couldn't stand it.....my RO suggested Calendula cream.  It worked great for me, along with the aloe vera.....Might as well have a few things on hand.....if one thing doesn't work, another will.

    p

    HI Dennis ...

    Silver Sufladizin (sp) was what worked GREAT for me ....my neck got TORE up!!!  :)   That stuff was a lifesaver...

     

    My reaction was bad so they tell me, most don't have that ...so hang in there and just do what you have to and all will be well...soon you will be meeting Mr. NED :)

     

    Tim

  • DCH21
    DCH21 Member Posts: 33
    #19
    Tim6003 said:

    HI Dennis ...

    Silver Sufladizin (sp) was what worked GREAT for me ....my neck got TORE up!!!  :)   That stuff was a lifesaver...

     

    My reaction was bad so they tell me, most don't have that ...so hang in there and just do what you have to and all will be well...soon you will be meeting Mr. NED :)

     

    Tim

    Again, thanks for the

    Again, thanks for the replies/suggestions.

    I want to be as pro-active as I can.  I am a positive thinker but I am also a realist. I HOPE that I don't beat up too bad by the side effects but I want to be as ready as I can be.

    I have done some fairly extensive reading and have found that some folks ( luck ones !) come through the treatment process almost unscathed.

    However, most do not. At least the ones going through my treatment plan. According to what I have read 90-100 % will have some mouth, throat, swallowing, etc; problems.

    I am not of course wshing anything on myself but I do not want to look back and say "I wish I had done this or that" .

     

    The way I see it it only takes a minimal amout of time, energy and money to play it safe. If I waste all three that will be GREAT. It just means that I dodged a bullet.

     

    I will tak to my doctors monday regarding ordering the products suggested so far.

     

    Thanks Again !

    DennisSmile

  • Roar
    Roar Member Posts: 269 Member
    #20
    I used aquaphor after ever

    I used aquaphor after ever treatment- do not use before treatments as it will make the situation worse. But right after your treatment apply the product . I went through almost 40 treatments and had no significant burns from the radiation. Do not use anything on your skin before treatments as it may interfere with the treatment 

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #21
    Roar said:

    I used aquaphor after ever

    I used aquaphor after ever treatment- do not use before treatments as it will make the situation worse. But right after your treatment apply the product . I went through almost 40 treatments and had no significant burns from the radiation. Do not use anything on your skin before treatments as it may interfere with the treatment 

    Bacon...

    I did know of one person that greased up before rads....

    I kept hearing sizzling and swear I could smell bacon...

    If I would have had any drool, it would have been flowing....., LOL.

    OK OK,

    I just made that up, Abi-Normal Humor was killing me about the thought of greasing up before rads...

    JG

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