Historic issues with radiotherapy burns on neck

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I had radiotherapy for Tonsil, Throat and Lymph cancer which completed on 13th September 2024 - I had 6 weeks of treatment, 5 times a week and only suffered a small amount of radiotherapy burning to my neck, mainly around the crease between my neck and collarbones which were all treated well with Flamigel - however 9 months later I am now experiencing soreness and itchiness to the part that showed the worst effects (at the time I did have oozing and breakages to the skin in this area) - it is driving me mad - I still have an unopened tube of Flamigel, so would it be wise to restart using that, or should I use some other sort of unfragranced moisturiser? I use an SPF50 on my face and neck daily as I was told I would no longer have any protection from the sun in these areas, but I don't go down as far as my collarbone with this, should I also be covering this with SPF 50 daily? sorry for all the questions, I have booked an appointment with my Dr but I can't get in for a few weeks and my next Hospital appointment isn't until July.

Thank you

Helen K- Macmillan 2 months ago

Hi Kazystar.

Thanks for getting in touch through our online community. I’m Helen and I’m one of the Macmillan cancer information nurse specialists on our support line. I see you’ve joined our head and neck cancer forum; I hope you are finding it a supportive environment.

I’m sorry to hear you are having problems with soreness and itchiness to your skin 9 months after completing your radiotherapy.

Itchy, dry or rough skin conditions can occur on head and neck areas where the skin was exposed to radiotherapy. It also makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Unfortunately, we don’t have access to individuals’ medical history or health records, so we can’t say for sure if there is any contraindication to you using flamigel.

You say you are struggling to see your GP and not due to be seen at the hospital until July. If you have the contact details for a dermatology nurse specialist with your team, you could try to contact them to discuss this. Or you may be able to speak to one of the radiotherapists by calling the hospital switchboard and asking to speak to them.

Alternatively, you could speak to one of our Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists. You can find your nearest store or book a telephone call via the Boots website. ORACLE (head and neck cancer UK) also have some information about late effects and looking after your skin after radiotherapy treatment.

If you skin becomes more inflamed, the skin breaks or you start having problems breathing or swallowing, please don’t hesitate to call 111 or 999 depending on the severity of your symptoms.

Please don’t hesitate to call one of our nurses if you want to discuss this further. You can also chat with people on our online radiotherapy discussion forum for further support.

I hope you found this information helpful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact with us if you need further information or support.

Best wishes

Helen K

The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm or contact us by email or webchat.

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Historic issues with radiotherapy burns on neck