Skin Care During Radiation

When you’re undergoing radiation therapy, a targeted cancer treatment that uses high-energy beams to destroy tumor cells. Also known as radiotherapy, it’s one of the most common cancer treatments—but it doesn’t just target cancer. The skin in the treatment area often pays a price. Radiation damages the top layers of skin, leading to redness, dryness, peeling, and sometimes open sores. This isn’t just a side effect—it’s a real condition called radiation dermatitis, a predictable inflammatory reaction caused by radiation exposure. It affects up to 95% of people getting radiation to the skin, and if not managed well, it can interrupt treatment or lead to infection.

What makes skin care during radiation so tricky is that it’s not like regular sunburn. Your skin is already weakened by treatment, and common products—like perfumed lotions, alcohol-based wipes, or even some soaps—can make it worse. You don’t need fancy creams. You need simple, gentle, and consistent care. Moisturizing with fragrance-free emollients like plain petrolatum or unscented aloe vera gel helps. Avoid scratching, tight clothing, and hot showers. Sun exposure is off-limits—even on cloudy days—because damaged skin can’t protect itself. Some patients swear by cool compresses or oatmeal baths, but always check with your oncology team first. What works for one person might irritate another. The goal isn’t to make your skin look perfect—it’s to keep it intact so treatment can finish without delays.

Many people don’t realize that radiation skin damage can last weeks or even months after treatment ends. That’s why ongoing care matters. Hydration, avoiding friction, and using barrier creams like zinc oxide can help during recovery. And while you’re managing your skin, don’t forget that radiation can affect other areas too—like your mouth if you’re getting head and neck treatment, or your scalp if it’s brain radiation. Each area needs a tailored approach. The posts below cover exactly this: what products to use, what to skip, how to handle blisters, when to call your doctor, and what real patients wish they’d known before starting treatment. You’ll find practical tips backed by oncology nurses, dermatologists, and people who’ve been through it. No fluff. Just what helps.