Those battling cancer often come to appreciate the little things, like going to bed and not waking up tired. Like not being nauseas and eating your favorite foods, and, if you are lucky, having your favorite foods still taste the same. Another thing you will really appreciate is not having your skin itch and burn.

Many of us go through our lives not worrying about our skin. We shower, we dry off, and sometimes we might slap some lotion on. When we start radiation treatments, everything changes. Our skin goes from a little thing we hardly give a thought about to an important part of our everyday worries.

Radiation treatments can really do a number on your skin, from red flaky patches to burns, blisters, and open sores. The sooner you start taking care of our skin, the better off and less miserable you will be.
Radiation skin care begins with staying hydrated.

Drinking plenty of fluids and water helps keep your cells healthy, and helps grow new healthy cells. Skin hydration also means moisturizing. Creams, lotions, serums, and balms help put moisture back in, and lock it in by forming a protective barrier from the air that dries our skin out. There are companies that specialize in creating products specifically for cancer patients and the problems they face with their skin. These products are safe for their sensitive skin, and nourish with vitamins and antioxidants while moisturizing.

Apply your moisturizer every night before bed. You also want to apply during the day, either morning or afternoon, depending on when your treatments are. Either apply in the morning four hours before treatment time, or in the afternoon when you get home.

For more information visit the Ohio State University Medical Center’s tips on radiation skin care at: http://www.patienteducation.osumc.edu/Documents/radiaski.pdf

For more information http://www.lindiskin.com/