Post radiation skin care ques...

[Loribabble]

My grandmother is recieving radiation therapy to her chest and is starting to get "burned" -I have read up on it and know the basics but was just wondering if you had any suggestions or tips.... thanks!

[Kimburly]

It is very important to only apply approved skin care when a person is receiving radiation treatments, so ask your Grandmother's nurse what to use. Many "normal " treatments contain ingredients that will cause further or worsening burns. They make special treatments, such as radia-care gel, which I believe is aloe based. Good luck and best wishes to both of you.

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Didn't the rad onc clinic give her a handout on that? WE always did that.

wash with warm H20

preferably without soap

if you feel you have to use soap try dove/neutrogena

no perfumes

do not rub the area even though it may become red, dry, itchy

avoid tight clothes to the area

no lotions before any treatment

ask the rad onc RN/DR about applying aloe vera gel only after rad treatment

no heating pads or ice packs

avoid the sun/cover the area

be aware that for many years afterward if you go into the sun with that area

unprotected the spot may show up again and is more sensative to damage

If the skin gets bad they may put her on a rest break/and or prescribe some

creams

Last but not least ask your Dr. (always the disclaimer) :)

Does that help?

renerian

[Loribabble]

Thanks for replying.... I would think she got some kind of hand outs... the radiation was started while she was an in-pt and while she is alert and oriented - she isn't paying much attention to what she is being told. She is now in a re-hab. My mom is her POA and I live about 1 1/2 hours away. My mom is really overwhelmed and is having trouble keeping up with all the info. We really need to have a family conference with the Docs, hospice and grandma - so that at least we all are on the same page....

sorry - I am babbling again...

Thanks for the info

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Absolutely a family conference is very important so your all on the same page. Our family picks a spokesperson for the group as well that way the doc or other health care team members call one person and get/give informaiton.

renerian