Radiation Dermatitis

Radiation therapy can have some unpleasant side effects in the skin. The following are the most common side effects, both acute and chronic, resulting from radiation. Unforeseen side effects may occur because of the unique and varied tolerance of individual persons. Late effects of treatment may not always be predictable and may be influenced by concurrent and/or subsequent treatment for this and other diseases.

What side effects should I expect?

Specific side effects of radiotherapy depend on the part of the body being treated as well as the dose given. In general, the first change is a reddening of the skin, resembling a sunburn. In many patients this is all that is experienced. However, like a sunburn, the involved area is often sensitive and even painful to the touch. In addition, the overlying skin may break down and the area may remain open until several days to weeks after the course of radiation is completed.

Once the course of radiotherapy is completed, the redness will gradually go away and any open areas normally will heal. However, the skin in this area may later develop some subtle changes including stiffness and/or dryness, as well as possible pigmentation changes.

What can I do to reduce or prevent these side effects?

Most of the current treatment options involve the use of emollients or aloe gels in an attempt to keep the skin moisturized. However, as most know who have had the experience of a sunburn, moisturization helps the skin from drying out but does not reduce the pain or redness, which are caused by inflammation. Therametics scientists have developed DermaRad Relief, which is a moisturizing lotion that contains Therosol, a bioactive that is able to reduce skin redness and pain associated with radiation therapy. This product is currently undergoing clinical studies.