What is the best treatment for radiation burns?

There’s no standard treatment for radiation burns. Your doctor may recommend moisturizing emollient creams or prescribe steroid medications that you put on your skin.

How do you treat radiation burns?

What Should I Do if I Have Radiation Burns?

1. Keep the skin moisturized and lubricated to prevent itching and cracking of the skin.
2. Wash with lukewarm water only, not hot water.
3. Avoid hot baths.
4. Pat yourself dry with a towel instead of rubbing your skin.

Is zinc oxide good for radiation burns?

During or after radiation treatment, avoid the use of metallic-based topical products (zinc oxide creams or deodorants with an aluminum base, for instance), because they may increase the surface dose to skin 12.

What helps with skin pain after radiotherapy?

Check your skin daily. Let your health care team know if your skin looks or feels different, or if you notice any cuts or open areas. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat infection, antihistamines to reduce swelling or itching, and/or pain medications to alleviate discomfort.

Can you get a burn from radiation therapy?

Many patients undergoing radiation therapy experience burns and skin irritations of varying degrees. However, by using the five-step process to assess, protect and treat the areas, older adults have a higher potential for reduced pain and a lower risk of infection, which can have disastrous results in people who are immunocompromised.

How to prevent radiation burns in older adults?

While it may not be possible to prevent radiation burns, older adults and their caregivers can take steps to reduce tissue damage. Antiperspirants, talcum powders and fragrances can increase radiation damage to the skin. Irritation to the area must be kept to a minimum.

What kind of radiation causes a deep burn?

Severe radiation burn is commonly seen with the radioisotopes like 60 Cobalt and 192 Iridium used for brachytherapy. Burns caused by beta radiation particles tend to be shallow as beta particles are not able to penetrate deep into the skin. Fig. 1.

Is there such thing as a nonintentional radiation burn?

A nonintentional radiation burn is relatively uncommon. Skin has a specific tolerance to radiation, above which different grades of radiation burn can occur. Being a rare and less studied problem, no precise guideline is present for its management.