Flutters, I never used any ointments or gels and didn't have any problems. If you're stressed over expense, why not wait and see whether you actually need to use anything, before deciding what to buy? Perhaps you'll luck out and not need anything at all-Good luck with your radiation- PJH

While  you might want to keep your expenses low, till you know for sure, you may want to purchase an inexpensive bottle of aloe vera gel from walmart now that it's summer.  It can be used as a preventive measure, and for your sunburns.  Just about everyone that I have spoke to about radiation has reported that nearly half way through treatment their skin became red, sunburned like and was painful.  If the aloe vera gel helps and can be used preventively, it's better to have your skin soft and ready if possible.  Then if you find you need something else later, then you can purchase the more expensive items.

Best of luck to you!

I used Aqueous Cream, which is recommended here in New Zealand.  It's easy to find and cheap.  My skin stayed in really good condition throughout the treatment - the technicians commented on it.  However, it has grown quite red and sore in the two weeks since I stopped treatment.  If you want to try aloe vera, I suggest you get a nice healthy aloe plant with lots of leaves.

I used a combination of products. One of the most beneficial was my aloe vera plant. I slit open a leaf and applied the juice daily. I also used vitamin E oil (pure) and vitamin E cream. Burt's Bees diaper ointment was also very helpful. A and D ointment is also excellent. My radiologist said that all creams had to be off just before the radiation treatment, but any of the above were great to use all the rest of the time. They specifically said to avoid coconut oil. It interferes with radiation, I was told. Continue to use the above topicals after radiation ends as I experienced increased redness and pain after completion of radiation. Good luck to you.