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 powerful—but it doesn’t just target cancer. The skin in the treatment area takes a hit too. This isn’t just dryness or a sunburn. It’s radiation dermatitis, a common, often painful skin reaction caused by radiation exposure. Think redness, peeling, itching, or even open sores. It happens to a lot of people, especially those getting radiation for breast, head, neck, or pelvic cancers.

What makes it worse? Common habits. Using perfumed lotions, scrubbing the area, wearing tight clothes, or skipping moisturizer because you’re afraid of "interfering" with treatment. None of that helps. In fact, the skin protection, simple, science-backed steps to reduce irritation during radiation is mostly about being gentle. Water-based, fragrance-free moisturizers applied gently after each session? That’s the baseline. Avoiding sun exposure? Non-negotiable. Radiation makes skin hypersensitive—and sunburns on top of radiation burns can delay treatment.

You don’t need fancy creams or miracle oils. Doctors recommend plain petroleum jelly, unscented aloe vera gel, or products labeled for sensitive skin. No alcohol, no retinoids, no exfoliants. And never shave the treated area with a razor—use electric clippers if needed. If your skin breaks open, don’t panic. Keep it clean, dry, and covered with a non-stick dressing. Talk to your radiation team before trying anything new—even "natural" remedies can interfere.

Some people get reactions early. Others don’t notice anything until week three or four. That’s normal. But if your skin starts oozing, turns dark, or feels hot and swollen, call your care team right away. That’s not just irritation—it could be infection or a more serious reaction. The goal isn’t to avoid all skin changes (that’s often impossible), but to keep them mild enough that treatment can keep going without interruption.

What you’ll find below are real stories and practical tips from people who’ve walked this path. We’ve pulled together advice on what products actually help, how to handle itching without scratching, what to wear during treatment, and how to tell the difference between normal side effects and something that needs urgent care. No fluff. No marketing. Just what works—and what doesn’t—when your skin is under fire.