Bathing and shaving: Skin can become very sensitive during radiation therapy. You can reduce the risk of side effects by following these tips: Wash the treated skin gently every day with warm water. Washing helps remove bacteria from your skin, which can cause an infection.
Bathe or shower daily using warm water and a mild unscented soap, such as Neutrogena®, Dove®, baby soap, Basis®, or Cetaphil®. Rinse your skin well and pat it dry with a soft towel. When washing, be gentle with your skin in the area being treated. Don't use a washcloth, scrubbing cloth, loofah or brush.
Don't wear tight clothing over the treatment area. It's important not to rub, scrub or scratch any sensitive spots. Also avoid putting anything that is very hot or very cold—such as heating pads or ice packs—on your treated skin.
Avoid contact with infants, children, and women who are pregnant for a specific amount of time. Avoid contact with pets for a specific amount of time. Avoid public transportation for a specific amount of time. Plan to stay home from work, school, and other activities for a specific amount of time.
Keeping skin clean during radiation
Avoid hot water. Wash with mild, pH balanced soap like Dove® or Basis®. Use a mild shampoo such as baby shampoo. Stay away from harsh soaps or any soap that is not pH balanced or neutral.
You can still use tap water for decontamination.
Any radioactive material that gets into surface water or ground water sources will be diluted to very low levels by the water and will be safe to use for washing skin, hair, and clothing.
Treat your hair gently.
Do not use hair dryers, irons, or products such as gels or clips that may hurt your scalp. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Wash it less often and be very gentle. Pat it dry with a soft towel.
More than 60% of NPC patients receiving curative-intent radiotherapy suffered from a weight loss greater than 5% during the treatment [8], [9].
ALARA stands for “as low as reasonably achievable”. ALARA means avoiding exposure to radiation that does not have a direct benefit to you, even if the dose is small. To do this, you can use three basic protective measures in radiation safety: time, distance, and shielding.
Early and late effects of radiation therapy
The most common early side effects are fatigue (feeling tired) and skin changes. Other early side effects usually are related to the area being treated, such as hair loss and mouth problems when radiation treatment is given to this area.
It is important not to miss or delay treatments because it can lessen how well the radiation kills tumor cells. The radiation therapy technologist (RTT) may ask you to change into a gown before treatment. It is a good idea to wear clothing that is easy to pull down, adjust, or remove when coming for treatments.
Get plenty of rest
Radiation therapy can make you feel more tired than normal. Try to get enough sleep at night. Being active when you can may help you sleep better. Ask for help when you need it and try to focus on the most important things you need to do.
There is no need to avoid being with other people because of your treatment. Even hugging, kissing or having sexual relations poses no radiation exposure risk for others. Side effects of radiation therapy most often are related to the area that is being treated.
The planning CT scan
The plan they create is just for you. Your radiographers tell you what is going to happen. They help you into position on the scan couch. You usually have to undress from the waist up but you can ask for a gown to help maintain your privacy.
With internal radiation, you may need to avoid touching the patient until the implant is removed or limit the time you spend very close to them. With systemic radiation therapy, you may also have to avoid the person's bodily fluids for a few days after treatment.
Get enough sleep during radiation therapy
But simple strategies, such as practicing a nighttime ritual, writing down your worries and avoiding naps, can help you cope with insomnia during treatment. It's also important that you talk to your doctor about fatigue and insomnia since these issues often go undiagnosed.
Alpha particles are the most harmful internal hazard as compared with gamma rays and beta particles. Radioactive materials that emit alpha and beta particles are most harmful when swallowed, inhaled, absorbed, or injected. Gamma rays are the most harmful external hazard.
How Radiation Affects Your Body. Radiation can damage the DNA in our cells. High doses of radiation can cause Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) or Cutaneous Radiation Injuries (CRI). High doses of radiation could also lead to cancer later in life.
Avoid raw vegetables and fruits, and other hard, dry foods such as chips or pretzels. It's also best to avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods if you are experiencing these symptoms. Your care team can recommend nutrient-based oral care solutions if you are experiencing mucositis or mouth sores caused by cancer treatment.
Many people having radiotherapy feel tired (fatigued) a lot of the time or become tired very easily from doing everyday activities. This usually starts during treatment and can continue for several weeks or months after treatment finishes. It can help to: get plenty of rest.
Radiation therapy to the head and neck area can cause temporary changes in taste or smell, which can make foods seem less appetizing. Some people lose interest in food completely and don't eat, even though they know they need to.
Reactions to radiation therapy often start during the second or third week of treatment. Or, they may last for several weeks after the final treatment. Some side effects may be long term.
Fatigue usually builds up slowly during the course of treatment, particularly towards the end, and may last for some weeks or months after treatment finishes. Many people find that they cannot do as much as they normally would, but others are able to continue their usual activities.