When radiation treatment kills cancer cells, it can also cause side effects. Radiation can affect the skin
in the area being treated. Typically, the skin begins to show irritation or redness from radiation after
one or two weeks of treatment. However, some types of radiation do not cause skin changes at all. If
skin changes or irritation does occur, the effects usually wear off within a few weeks after completing
all the radiation treatments.
Each patient's body responds to radiation therapy in its own way. The amount of skin reaction you
experience also depends on the type of treatment you need and the area of your body being treated.
Your doctor might adjust your treatment schedule based on how well you tolerate the treatments.
Therefore, one thing to remember during radiation therapy is to be extra kind to the skin in the
treatment area. Below are some helpful hints to assist you.