Radiation burns

Radiation treatments will give a lifetime of radiation exposure in a very short period of time. This will cause a severe burn, and the radiated area will be very sensitive to the sun. The nurses will tell you how to treat the burn but usually not until after the burn has started.

Practical tips

  • Ask the nurses early about how to treat the burn. Start treating the burn before your spouse feels it. Some suggestions are aloe vera gel, Aquaphor, Eucerin, and Neutrogena.

  • Avoid sun exposure during the treatment period, and always use sunscreen thereafter.

  • Be sure you get clear instructions from the nurse concerning any products that should not be used in the radiation area, such as antiperspirants or particular creams or powders. You will also need to find out whether or not the area should be cleaned before coming in for treatment. Expect that your spouse will probably need your help with cream application and cleaning of the area.

  • Ask the nurses about which painkillers (if needed) are safe to use during radiation.

  • Once the area has become very painful, chafing from clothing may become a serious issue. Depending on location, it may help to place very soft cloths on or around the area. A friend of YCS used clean, old, very worn and soft handkerchiefs moistened with Aquaphor cream to protect and soothe the radiation area.

  • Get less constricting clothing for your spouse, and be extra careful to use gentle detergents on their clothes.