What soaps/shampoos can I use?

Hi Chellby, 

I just used sanex. Anything that's sensitive will be fine, I also changed my washing powder to a nonbio. They give you some moisturising cream to use during your treatment to keep your skin hydrated. They also tell you to not have a soak in the bath just to shower or spend small amounts of time in the bath. I changed everything about a week before, I also started to change my diet a bit to avoid loads of fibre, it helps with the radiotherapy and the bowel issues, I know that hasn't got a lot to do with skin, well other than the skin in that region if your at the toilet a lot. They talk you through everything on the first day and if you have any problems just tell them, they also monitor your skin while you have your radiotherapy.

Good luck with your treatment xxx 

That’s great, thanks for your reply.

I hadn’t thought about washing powders etc, I don’t think my current one is non bio so I’ll look at changing.

I was told about bathing and just quick showers etc, just wasn’t sure what products I could use.

Your comments about fibre are well received too!

It’s all like a whole new learning experience for me, but I’ll get there!

Thank you! xx

Hi Chellby,

Just a quick comment about sodium Lauryl sulphate. The issue with this is that it tends to dry and thin the skin.  This is more of a problem if it remains in contact with the skin and not washed off. 

 Aqueous cream is often incorrectly described as a moisturiser or emollient, however this does contain sodium lauryl sulphate and was originally  suggested as a soap free cleansing agent for use with people with eczema not for use as a moisturising cream even though it is often described as such.  So to keep your skin in good condition during your treatment, you are best advised to use mild creams like E45. 

While I was having treatment, I experienced no skin problems myself,  At the time I talked to lots of other ladies having the same pelvic RT for womb cancer  and very few  said they were experiencing issues,   So I think we may be comparatively lucky in that skin problems are perhaps less common for us than for other patients  

Unless you have particularly sensitive skin I wouldn't think you need to worry too much about changing your washing powder - that is assuming  your clothes get rinsed properly. 

Hi All,

Just adding a comment to oldady's post. I think, having read other posts on here, that she is right about womb patients being lucky with radiotherapy.

When my husband had radiotherapy on his neck for throat cancer, he was red raw after the 7 weeks. He has olive coloured skin, and can tolerate a lot of sunshine, with no burns in sight. I think the skin on the neck is perhaps thinner or more sensitive than on the tummy. Also when my daughter had radiotherapy for breast cancer that split the skin on her boob, even with cream applied.

But, they check you each week and do let them know of any problems.   xxxxxx

Thank you for your replies

I recently started using Aveno on the scar area so I’ll continue with that as it was recommended by one of my nurses after surgery. 

I’m assuming I’ll be told what to and what not to use when I go in for my ‘chat’ before first treatment. I was just trying to be ahead of the game lol

Xx