Effectiveness has not been established for a wide variety of topical skin care products because there is no convincing literature to either support or refute their use during radiation therapy.5 Therefore, patients may continue to use moistur- izing creams or lotions of their choice as long as the skin is intact. Patients should use products specifically recommended by their radiation therapy practitioner. Patients do not need to avoid topical agents for any set period of time prior to treatment, but should not apply them immediately before treatment.13 Calendula ointment has been found likely to be effective and thus may be recommended for women receiving breast irradiation.14,15