sore skin after radiotherapy treatment

[Bear70]

Hello helpful people, I had 26 treatments of radiotherapy on my pelvis and vulva in 2019. My skin has extensive radiation damage my oncologist has tired various creams, udder cream and the dermatologist recommended 2 types of Steroid creams but they have not helped my skin. I also use QV and hydromol cream but my skin is still very sore. I have now been given Flamigel cream been using it for a month with little success. Can any of you recommend any treatment cream to help my skin

[Lyubov]

I wonder if hyperbaric oxygen therapy could heal the radiation damage to healthy tissue. My husband incurred great damage to his urethra & bladder; he's now undergoing 40 sessions of HBOT with the hope it will heal the affected areas.

[clareB43]

hi,

Have you tried coconut oil ? I also use Doublebase moisturiser.

[Perido]

My experience of skin care is mainly on account of my lymphoedema which has made my skin quite fussy. For me, the most soothing moisturising cream is Epimax Original; it doesn't contain irritants such as perfume or parabens (aka hydroxybenzoate). Aveeno is also good imo.

Regarding your vulva; maybe oestrogen deficiency is contributing to the soreness. If allowable, considering your type of cancer, maybe a topical oestrogen cream could help.

What products are you using for washing? Skin is naturally acidic, whereas most soaps and other types of cleanser are alkaline. I like Hope's Relief cleansing bar which is pH balanced to the skin and perfume free.

[Bluegenie]

I had severe burns on my vulva after undergoing radiotherapy in 2004. I spent two months after treatment on morphine for the pain and had to run a bath every time I needed to go to the toilet, to avoid the sting of urine on the burns. For some years after, I had problems with sore and weeping skin.

On my GP's advice, whenever possible I wore long skirts with no underwear and nighties rather than PJs to sleep. When underwear was essential I only wore pure cotton and made sure to wash it in gentle non-biological detergent (you can now buy hypoallergenic detergent).

I found *high strength* steroid creams did help but the greatest healer has been time. 20 years on my skin still looks awful (doctors and nurses comment on it) but it has toughened up and very rarely gets sore.

The creams you mention are designed for milder skin conditions - even Flamigel is for superficial burns. Your and my skin damage is deeper - second degree burns - and needs something stronger. I'd ask your oncologist for a referral to the burns unit so that they can advise on what might help. I wish I had asked for such a referral as soon as I finished treatment, as it would have spared me a great deal of pain and distress.

[Silver1-lady]

I have just been given trial sachets by radiographer of YES which can be prescribed by your Doctor they do a wash and moisturisers as I’m having the same issues so far so good it’s certainly helping

[accidentalcarnivore]

so very sorry for your pain. Many people have success with hyperbaric oxygen treatment

[Kenka]

I have similar and gynae told me to use coconut oil which has helped the soreness and atrophy - if you have that too. The deeper pain I have found nothing to help but saying that if has certainly become less painful over the years.

[Hopeful-one]

Hi Bear70I'm sorry to hear about your skin. Mine is still a mess and I had my treatment in 2009. If you find something that works please do let me know😉. I kept getting infections due to the skin damage and the only thing that eventually helped with those was a three month course of antibiotics. But it hasn't helped with the unsightly scarring, blotchiness, and the lack of elasticity- the feel, look and behaviour of the skin is permanently damaged in my case I think. However, I'm always open to suggestions if you find a wonder cure!!

Good luck