I have had three weeks of radiotherapy after a left breast lumpectomy, and had no side effects until yesterday, when I developed an itchy heat rash mainly in an area not covered by my bra. Is there anything I can put on it to reduce the itching? I am using Aloe Vera Gel already.
Hi. The itchy heat rash is called radiation dermatitis. It is secondary to radiation induced skin damage. During radiation therapy you can minimize radiation induced dermatitis by the following:1. Wear loose fitting clothes. Tight clothes will rub against skin worsening skin damage.2. Wear 100% cotton clothes. Avoid silk, nylon, polyester.3. Avoid wearing undergarments (brassiere) 4. Keep using aloe vera cream5. Use aqua based creams. No oil based as they form a layer on skin thus increasing skin dose by radiation therapy.6. Avoid applying body sprays/do Chat Doctor. For the radiation dermatitis already there, apply 1% HY