Help with radiotherapy - induced skin reactions for cancer patients

Radiation therapy causes skin reactions in about 90% of patients. Mölnlycke Health Care offers information, advice and new treatment recommendations.

Erythema. A very common skin reaction to radiotherapy

If you’re a cancer patient and receive radiation treatment, there’s a high risk that you’ll experience skin reactions during or after this treatment. It’s known as erythema and can be painful, irritating, itchy and annoying.

The following skin areas are particularly at risk:

• The skin fold under the breast and the area around the nipple.
• The armpits.
• The neck.
• The gluteal cleft.
• The groin.

Typically, these types of wounds or reactions are divided into three degrees of severity, with corresponding treatment recommendations.

1st degree reaction. This erythema may occur approximately two weeks after the start of radiation therapy. The skin is dry, red and itchy.

2nd degree reaction. In this case, the itching turns into a burning sensation. The skin is bright red and hot. It may also peel (called "dry desquamation") and/or blister.

3rd degree reaction. This type of reaction is characterised by moist, open skin lesions – what healthcare professionals refer to as "moist desquamation."