I have read some info about gels and creams advertised to help during radiataion treatment. Some people swear by them, but the best ones can dent your pocket book! It is always a good idea to first ask your doctor what is safe to put on your skin. Whatever is on your skin gets radiated too, and you don't want any weird ingredients that are used as preservatives to get activated on your skin while your getting laser beam action. Sometimes these other ingredients can irritate your skin more, and your worse off. Avoid anything with fragrance, even organic, as it can dry the skin. I also did some research on the "Jean's Cream" everyone talks about. It is basically 100% aloe vera with a bit of cortisone in it. In my humble opinion, the best thing to put on your skin is 100% aloe vera, straight from the plant. Most of these advertised creams and gels use it as a base with some type of analgesic added to it (pain reliever or itch reliever such as cortisone) and a preservative for shelf-life. I have an aloe plant outside in the back yard and I harvest it, wash it well, cut it open, scrape the gel out with a spoon and keep what I will use for about two days in a ziplock bag in the fridge. While in the zip lock, I squeeze it smooth, then I make a little hole in the corner of the bag to squish it through. Sometimes, I put a dime size amount of cortisone on my skin first, then apply the aloe vera. There is really no need to buy any expensive creams. The docs at radiation will give you what you need for free, and nature will give you the best stuff under the sun, free of charge! Another friend going through some bad burning recommended cool water and a wash towel. When lying down, wring, extend and place the soaked towel over the radiation area, and relax. Repeat as much as needed. She recommended adding salt to the water, but I found it dries your skin more and you really need it to stay moist and supple. Hope this helps you as much as it has me! Any other ideas or tips? Peglove
Thanks for posting these tips, Peg - the voice of experience is always invaluable. PJH
Great advice, Peg. My doctor recommended the plain aloe gel until my skin got too burned, and then switched me to a prescription cream. For those who don't have their own aloe plant, it's readily available at any drug store although it can be harder to find the clear gel instead of the green kind. As you say, it is extremely important not to put anything on your skin in the radiation area unless you get the doctor's OK.
Yes! The drug store has some but it has other stuff in it too, so I just went with the outdoor plant. Also, you can find pure aloe at a health food store too. My doc gave me Aquaphor ointment too. But failed to tell me it leaves greasy stains that do not come out of your clothing! Shucks-darnit! I liked that tank top too!