- When you wash, use only lukewarm water and mild soap.
- Wear loose, soft cotton clothing over the treated area.
- Do not wear tight clothing over the treated skin (such as girdles or close fitting collars).
- Do not rub, scrub or scratch any sensitive spots.
- Avoid putting anything very hot (like heating pads) or very cold (like ice packs) on the area we are treating.
- Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you can shave the treated skin. If approved, use only an electric shaver and do not use a pre-shave lotion, shaving cream, hair removal product, or aftershave.
- Do not use any soaps, medicines, cosmetics, powders, creams, perfumes, deodorants, body oils, ointments, lotions or home remedies on the treated area of skin during and for several weeks after your treatment unless your doctor or nurse approves. Many skin products can leave a coating on the skin that can interfere with radiation therapy or healing.
- Avoid using commercial mouthwash if you are being treated in the mouth and neck area.
- Avoid exposing the skin in the treatment area to the sun during radiation treatments and for at least one year after treatments are complete.
Most skin reactions to radiation therapy should go away a few weeks after treatment has stopped. Occasionally, the treated skin will stay darker than it was before.
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