University College Hospital. General skin care advice for patients having radiotherapy. Radiotherapy Department Patient information series

Transcription

1 University College Hospital General skin care advice for patients having radiotherapy Radiotherapy Department Patient information series 1

2 2 If you need a large print, audio or translated copy of the document, please contact us on: (Direct line) ext 73711/bleep ext 73711/bleep 1458 We will try our best to meet your needs.

3 3 Contents Introduction 5 Washing 5 Drying your skin 5 Washing your hair 6 Swimming 6 Ladies 6 Shaving 6 Skin protection 7 Useful contact numbers 8 Space for notes and questions 10

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5 5 Introduction During a course of radiotherapy your skin in the treatment area may become red and sore. The skin may also become dry and flaky. These are normal reactions to the radiotherapy treatment. This leaflet provides some general advice to help minimise your skin reaction. If necessary, you will be given more detailed advice while you are on treatment. Washing You may wash, bath or shower as normal but you should use warm water rather than hot. Use a non perfumed soap such as a simple soap. Do not use perfumed bath creams or shower gels. Wash your skin gently using your hand rather than a flannel. Aqueous cream may be applied to your skin. This is a simple, unperfumed moisturising cream which you will be given at the start of your treatment, or is available over the counter from a local pharmacy. This cream can be used from the start of treatment. It helps prevent your skin from becoming too dry. Smooth a little cream very gently onto your skin two to three times a day. Do not vigorously rub it in. Drying your skin Pat your skin dry with a soft towel or tissue, being careful to dry in the skin folds. Do not use any talcs, creams or lotions in the area being treated unless advised by a member of staff.

6 6 Washing your hair If the treatment area includes your head: Your hair may be gently washed with a mild shampoo. Dry your hair naturally if possible or use a hair dryer on a cool setting. Brush your hair very gently. Swimming If your skin is not broken or sore you may swim if you wish. Please shower gently afterwards to remove any chlorine and apply aqueous cream to prevent dry skin. Ladies If you are having radiotherapy to the face and neck area, you are advised not to apply any cosmetics, perfumes or skin creams to your skin in the treatment area whilst on treatment. Shaving If the treatment area includes the face, head and neck: You may shave using an electric shaver. Care should be taken not to drag the skin too much as this could make the skin sore. Do not wet shave. Do not use aftershave. Ladies are advised not to shave underarm, if the armpit is being treated. Do not use hair removing (depilatory) cream in the treatment area. This also applies to the legs if they are in the treatment area.

7 7 Skin protection Avoid exposing the treated area to strong sunlight or extreme temperature changes during and after treatment. Radiotherapy causes changes to the skin which make it more sensitive to the sun. The skin in the treated area will be especially sensitive for the first twelve months after treatment. After this time, you can gradually increase your sun exposure but we recommend that you always use a high protection sun cream (Factor or more) in strong sunlight. Do not apply hot or cold pads to the area being treated. When you finish your treatment please ask for a leaflet that will help you with looking after your skin. It is called Finishing treatment. If you have any questions about your skin care please ask one of the radiographers on your treatment machine. They can give you more detailed advice or refer you to the radiotherapy care team if necessary.

8 8 Useful contact numbers Local Radiotherapy Care Team Direct telephone: Main switchboard: ext bleep 2222, 5825 or 2075 Alternative switchboard: ext bleep 2222, 5825 or 2075 Macmillan Information and Support Radiographer Mark Williams Direct telephone: Main switchboard: ext bleep 1458 Alternative switchboard: ext bleep

9 9 National Health Talk Online Macmillan Cancer Support Cancer Line freephone: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 21:00 Textphone: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 18: National Library for Health Covers all aspects of health, illness and treatments NHS Direct Telephone: Available 24 hours NHS 24 Telephone: NHS Choices Patient UK Comprehensive, free, up-to-date health information

10 10 Space for notes and questions

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12 First published: November 2002 Last review date: June 2013 Next review date: June 2015 Leaflet code: UCLH/S&C/CD/RT/SKIN/2 University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Created by Medical Illustration RNTNEH Unique Code: 28862