Radiation irritation 2.5 years later
 

I am looking for a recommendation on skin creme for previously radiated skin. My husband and I live on a lake. I am fair skinned (German/Irish) and I am by no means a sun worshiper, but we our outdoors people, I take walks, garden, swim etc.
My neck and upper chest were radiated along with my armpit and breast area.
I were sunscreen, sit in the shade, but my skin still breaks out in bumps and gets like sand paper and itches. I am over 2.5 years out.
Do I have to avoid the sun completely in this area? Does anyone know about a special sunscreen I can use? Does anyone know about a daily skin creme I can use.
Any help is appreciated!
Thanks,

Re: Radiation irritation 2.5 years later
 

My husband gets this too and I think its a skin issue rather than where you come from, I think you should see your local family Dr and ask for advice from him.

Re: Radiation irritation 2.5 years later
 

Hi Jill -

This sounds like a rash. Could be from hea or an allergy to something in the lotion or sunscreen, that the radiated area is more sensitive to.

Is the rash restricted to this radiated area? You might try aloe vera or something hypoallergenic. (My mother happens to be allergic to aloe, and it is hard to find products that do not contain some amount.)

Good luck!

Re: Radiation irritation 2.5 years later
 

You might have a sensitivity to your sunscreen. My understanding is there are two types of active ingredients in suncreeens, one is mineral based and the other is chemical based. I use Paula's Choice products (online only) and she describes the difference somewhere on her website. Her products list the ingredients and will tell you if they are mineral-based or not.

I don't know if you can use cortisone-based creams on radiated skin, but that would help with itching (I wouldn't try this unless your doc says it is okay). Your doc might prescribe a cream to make it go away quickly (that is safer than cortisone), and then you'd want to experiment with any other products you use on that area to see what works best.