Skin irritation after radiotherapy.

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My partner had a 6 week course of radiotherapy which finished at the end of February this year. Throughout his treatment the side effects were minimal - he had no mouth ulcers, very little skin irritation and wasn't too fatigued. However, we're 3 & a half months after treatment and his skin is red, flaky and itchy. The areas covered are the ones that his radiotherapy mask covered. Every morning his head looks like cradle cap and the half of his face that received the radiotherapy is beetroot red, as is his upper torso. We're due to go on holiday in 8 days and I'm worried about how his skin will react when we're abroad. He uses zerobase cream and double base cream several times a day to moisturise but it doesn't look any better. How long will this take to go away? How can I support him as he's feeling self conscious. 

  • Hi Sparkle78,

    Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Jo and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

    It is good to hear that your partner has completed his radiotherapy treatment meaning you have been able to book an overseas holiday. However, I’m sorry to hear that he is experiencing side effects to the skin on his face, head and upper torso. This sounds like a difficult time.

    Unfortunately, as we are not part of the NHS here on the Macmillan support line, we don’t have access to your partners medical records. It would therefore not be possible for us to give specific guidance, including how long this will take to go away.

    I wonder whether you have spoken to your partners hospital team about his current skin symptoms. If not, then it would be advisable to do so. They are best placed to offer specific advice and support as they are familiar with your partners cancer diagnosis and treatment and have access to his medical records. If your partner has a nurse specialist within his team then you could give them a call in the first instance.

    Radiotherapy can make the treated area of skin more sensitive to the sun, meaning it can burn more easily. During and after treatment, skin in the treated area should be protected from strong sunlight by wearing clothing to cover the skin, staying in the shade and using suncream. Here is some further information from our website about sun safety and cancer treatment that you might find helpful.

    Whilst many people who have had a cancer diagnosis travel without any problems, there may be extra things to think about as you plan your trip and while you are away. You might find our travel and cancer information useful.

    It can be challenging supporting your partner following a cancer diagnosis, so it’s important that you don’t feel alone in dealing with this. There are a number of ways that we here at Macmillan can offer help and support to both you and your partner so please do get back in contact.

    If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.

    I hope this information is helpful.

    Best wishes,

    Jo

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    Ref: JD/LZD