Radiated Skin

rizzo15 · September 2003

Does it take a long time for the burned skin (after radiation) to peel off? I ended radiation 3 weeks ago and even then the nurse and doctor were wondering why the old, burned skin wasn't coming off very much. I go back to the doctor next week and I'm sure she is going to ask about it again. She was saying that a long soak in the bath tub a 3-4 times a week or so and daily washing (with shower or bath) with a wash cloth and regular bath soap should be plenty. And that is what I do. 3/4 of the tanned skin has remained pretty much the same. I can't see trying to use a rough brush and trying to force the issue...it seems to me that is just inviting a chance for infection and pain...which I don't have now. What do you think?

hummingbrd · September 2003

I can only speak from my own experience but they told me to keep using the heavy creams (like Eucerin) for at least six weeks after my radiation. It has now been two months and my skin is improved but is still tan and still reacts to heat and exercise ie, the hot water from the shower....my breast turns red. They told me it takes 6-12 months for the breast to heal totally.

blossomtime · September 2003

I think you are thinking smart. I dont think I would want to take a chance of irritating skin that has already been severely stressed. Each persons body is different. It took me several months before the dark, dry skin to slough off. I continued to use the moisturizer the radiation center recommended which was 100% Aloe Vera gel. The one I got was all natural. Great stuff my teenage son even used it this summer when he got
too much sun. I think it took several months for my skin to become more normal but truth is it happened so gradual that I didnt notice it much. Take care.

KimInBeirut · September 2003

Gotta agree with Hummingbird, use the heavy creams (they should have given you). It's both preventative and healing - so I learned much too late! My docs told me 18 months to even think about being back to "normal" -- color, size, exercise.....life in general. Wear lots of suncreen all the time! (even in winter)

rizzo15 · September 2003

Thanks everybody. I guess I didn't want to be accused of not washing daily and not following instructions. Now that I know that it may take months, I feel a lot better. When I was doing radiation, they would mark me up with these black pens in addition to my tattoos. In the end, I just stopped scrubbing off the black pen marks every day. Until then I was really scuffing up that area. I'll try using the aloe and Aquaphor so I don't get too dried out and can keep up with my arm exercises.

DeeNY711 · September 2003

When the doctor tells you what to do and you do it, but it does not bring the results the doctor expected, the patient is put on the defensive. Ask any diabetic. I agree with everyone else that you should definitely not risk breaking the skin with a rough brush. The experiences of others on the message board has always provided enormous relief as well as something to share with the doctor if the matter is pushed. Hugs, Denise

rizzo15 · September 2003

DeeNY711 said:
When the doctor tells you what to do and you do it, but it does not bring the results the doctor expected, the patient is put on the defensive. Ask any diabetic. I agree with everyone else that you should definitely not risk breaking the skin with a rough brush. The experiences of others on the message board has always provided enormous relief as well as something to share with the doctor if the matter is pushed. Hugs, Denise

Thanks DeeNY711. Ya, I'm a Type II diabetic in addition to this breast cancer stuff and that could also be contributing to the slow new skin growth. My theory is that just because the old skin is coming off a little more slowly than a lot of people, it isn't anything to get excited about. I mean, it IS coming off. With the diabetes thing, I actually have been gradually making an effort at losing a little weight and increasing exercise (bicycling). And my diabetes pills have been cut by 1/3 in the last 6 months. I had to request the reduction in pills myself, my primary family practice doctor didn't suggest it. I guess I have at least a couple of doctors having a hard time believing that the patient is following their instructions.

KimInBeirut · September 2003

rizzo15 said:
Thanks DeeNY711. Ya, I'm a Type II diabetic in addition to this breast cancer stuff and that could also be contributing to the slow new skin growth. My theory is that just because the old skin is coming off a little more slowly than a lot of people, it isn't anything to get excited about. I mean, it IS coming off. With the diabetes thing, I actually have been gradually making an effort at losing a little weight and increasing exercise (bicycling). And my diabetes pills have been cut by 1/3 in the last 6 months. I had to request the reduction in pills myself, my primary family practice doctor didn't suggest it. I guess I have at least a couple of doctors having a hard time believing that the patient is following their instructions.

Rizzo...I'm at my 6th month mark after my final radiation, and my skin still burns easily. (and I'm a sun freak, so was already quite tan). At my 3 month follow-up, though, the docs were very concerned about the color of the radiated skin. They said it might be a sign of "maintaining too much iron" (I think). I had blood test taken to determine if my body was just trying to "hold onto" iron that it should have been using for something else. You might want to ask about that.... Since my test came out "normal," and it was just dark skin, I have no idea what they would do to help you....but, thought it'd give you another question to ask. Good luck, Kim

Radiated Skin

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