Radiotherapy question

I’m allergic to aqueous cream too! It contains sodium lauryl sulphate, a known trigger for eczema. But it is cheap so if you didn’t find it good, at least yiu haven’t wasted much money. 

You are so right. That must be why the Radiographer told me not to use it to moisturise.

I was given some Dermol 500 lotion by my sister-in-law (who was diagnosed with breast cancer a year before me). She swore by it. It describes itself as an antimicrobial emollient and moisturiser for the management of dry and puritic (itchy) skin conditions, especially eczema and dermatitis, and for use as a soap substitute. I've been using it since before I had my radiotherapy.

I can't personally tell you whether or not the Dermol works. My course of radiotherapy ended on 4th October. I had partial (not the whole) breast  treatment (there had been evidence that this is just as effective for women such as me with grade 2 lumps, in the position it was and no lymph involvement).  Apart from needing more rests and early nights I appear to have got away without any other side effects like skin reactions. Keep waiting and looking but my skin is not pink, hot or blistered.

There's a tiny part of me left wondering if the machine actually worked ... but I guess I just have to trust the team at my hospital. 

I was told that moisturising makes zero difference to whether you'll have a skin reaction to the rads but it does help from your skin drying out, which will help to stop it itching. You don't want to be itching it when it's so damaged (I was told the damage is at cellular level so you may not be able to see it).

I used Aveeno and was told E45 also good. Interestingly, my radiologist said no to Dermol500 and Diprobase, both of which I had I the house already. I think they wanted me to use something water-based (though can't remember why they didin't like those 2)

Don't use anything oil-based. I was also told not to use bio oil for a good 4 - 6 weeks post rads.

The radiation peaks 2 weeks after you've finished so don't be alarmed if your skin looks redder or feels more sensitive after you have finished.

I was told it takes 6 weeks for your skin to heal after rads but I used moisturiser for much longer. I think it's quite nice for the scar too and helps soften things again as you're giving yourself a mini massage a few times a day. My breast was harder after rads and took several months to start softening again.

Thank you for the information this will be a great help to me and others.