I received an email from a reader this week asking me to write about how to manage injury to the skin from radiation treatment for cancer. Specifically, she was interested in how to help the skin heal both during and after radiation exposure. Despite the best efforts taken during treatment, radiation side effects are common. There are a number of natural medicines that are safe and effective to take during radiation treatment.
Severe skin damage from radiation doesn’t usually respond well to emollients so it’s important to use only physician approved products and you should be monitored for response. First and foremost, do not use any oils on your skin in the field of radiation as these can make burns worse, even if you do your best to wash them off before treatment. Green tea and calendula extracts (NOT oil based) can be used safely on burned skin during radiation treatment.
Aloe vera leaf gel can be used to help burned and damaged skin during radiation. Many doctors find aloe vera helps despite some studies that say otherwise. After the last dose of radiation has been given it is safe to consider using an oil based cream like rosehip with vitamin D and A which can be helpful. If your skin has been discoloured you can try using vitamin A and D both topically and orally.