1. < Breast Cancer

What did you do to help radiation burn?

Posted by cadunkin @cadunkin, Oct 24, 2022

After lumpectomy & lymph node removal (margins & nodes showed no cancer) I had 15 rounds or radiation in 3 weeks. At the end of treatment two weeks ago I developed a rash on my chest from the radiation. It’s very red & itches like crazy, which makes it hard to sleep. I’m using over the counter cortisone cream & Aquaphor for the dryness. Has anyone had success with other ways to treat this while waiting for it to heal? This site has helped me tremendously so thank you to everyone!

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ninibmr | @ninibmr | Feb 27 12:54pm
In reply to @cadunkin "Thanks to everyone for the great tips. I’m alternating between hydrocortisone cream & Vanicream. The rash..." + (show)
@cadunkin

Thanks to everyone for the great tips. I’m alternating between hydrocortisone cream & Vanicream. The rash is almost gone but the area is still red & tender. Can anyone give me a time frame on how long these burns last? I remind myself to be thankful that this is my worst side effect (so far).

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Mine has taken 3 weeks and just now starting to heal.

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raye | @raye | Feb 27 2:05pm

The radiation oncologist I consulted advised using CALENDULA CREAM, which I understand can be found in drug stores.

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1 reply
joan23 | @joan23 | Feb 27 2:33pm
In reply to @ninibmr "That didn't help me at all. Neither did calendula, arnica, cortisone cream, or anything else. I..." + (show)
@ninibmr

That didn't help me at all. Neither did calendula, arnica, cortisone cream, or anything else. I ended up on Silvadene and finally got some relief, but it took 2 weeks of feeling like my skin was on fire.

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Hi! The same feeling I had. Silvadene helped me a lot. It was an excellent relief!

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hopeful2024 | @hopeful2024 | Feb 27 8:52pm
In reply to @tapgirl "If you are large-breasted and the radiation is directed to the underside of your breast the..." + (show)
@tapgirl

If you are large-breasted and the radiation is directed to the underside of your breast the ComfortSlings products are game changers in protecting your skin. The company sells both slings, with cushions on adjustable straps that tuck beneath the breast, and cushions without the straps to tuck inside your bra cup.

I began using a ComfortSling the day I began radiation, wearing it as many hours of the day as possible, especially at night while I slept. Several times during the day I lay on my back and applied colorless, odorless gel to my entire breast, including the underside. I remained in position until the gel was fully absorbed (it took seconds), then immediately tucked the ComfortSling beneath my breast. With continuous protection from moisture and abrasion, the need for other products was virtually eliminated. By my treatments' end, my skin had darkened slightly but was otherwise unchanged. When I was out and about, I tucked a cushion inside my bra. The slings and the cushions virtually eliminated the accumulation of moisture beneath my breast and protected my skin from the rubbing and abrasion of skin-to-skin contact. By my treatment’s end, my skin had darkened slightly at the radiation site, but was otherwise unchanged. I had no pain, no broken skin.

If you have already begun your radiation treatments, the sling will still go a long way toward preventing further irritation and pain. I can’t recommend these products enough! Good luck!

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Wishing you peace !!

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1 reply
myoga | @myoga | Feb 27 9:27pm

My radiologist didn't prescribe anything to prevent the burn. I used fresh Aloe Vera from my garden, the one with lots of thorns. I cleaned it well and put it in refrigerator to keep it cool. I applied Aloe Vera immediately after each session. No burn. A week after the last session (20 sessions) the blisters appeared under my nipple and my breast became swollen. Maybe I should have continued using Aloe Vera for another week after the last session. Maybe the effects of radiation doesn't go way when the radiation stops. I read somewhere that the apoptosis continues few months after radiation therapy. That explains why my breast was swollen and tender for months after.

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1 reply
nanna1948 | @nanna1948 | Feb 28 6:26am

I was given prescription for 1%sulfadiazine cream. Worked I. Two days. Saved my skin

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tapgirl | @tapgirl | Feb 28 6:37am
In reply to @hopeful2024 "Wishing you peace !!" + (show)
@hopeful2024

Wishing you peace !!

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and to you along with excellent health!

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ninibmr | @ninibmr | Feb 29 8:41am

Wow. I've been using the silvadene for 2 weeks and just now starting to heal. Still have a couple of blisters under my right breast. Trying healing honey.

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1 reply
verol65 | @verol65 | Feb 29 5:41pm
In reply to @ninibmr "Wow. I've been using the silvadene for 2 weeks and just now starting to heal. Still..." + (show)
@ninibmr

Wow. I've been using the silvadene for 2 weeks and just now starting to heal. Still have a couple of blisters under my right breast. Trying healing honey.

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Medihoney is what a friend used. My radiation oncologist prescribed Cicalfate+.

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krisrwalters | @krisrwalters | Mar 1 3:12pm

My NP recommended oral lycine, which stimulates collagen production, which is critical for skin healing. My step- mother recommended oral arnica, which is commonly recommended by dermatologists for healing after cosmetic procedures.

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