During radiation therapy, doctors will plan implant treatments very carefully to lessen side effects. Even though some patients have little or no radiation side effects, others feel discomfort. Side effects are usually short-term and can be treated. Regardless of what type of therapy you settle on, your doctors and nurses will ensure they help manage them.
It is important to know that side effects often start by the second or third week of treatment. They can last up to several weeks after the final radiation treatment. Many people who get radiation therapy have some fatigue and skin reactions. Let’s take a random look at the common radiation side effects they should be worried about.
Skin Reactions
Radiation therapy will affect your healthy skin cells in the treatment area. When subjected to radiation almost every day, your skin cells may not have enough time to recover between treatments. Skin changes can take place on anybody part that gets radiation and reactions are like mild sunburn.
Among the common skin changes you may have to contend with include dryness, redness, itching, peeling, sores, ulcers, and sensitivity. Your skin may darken in that spot. So how do you care for your skin after radiation?
When you shower, don’t scrub the treatment area. Only use mild soaps that are free of harsh chemicals or fragrances. You should also dry yourself with a soft towel by patting, not rubbing your skin.
Hair Loss
Hair loss from radiation therapy happens only on the part of your body being treated. This is not the same as hair loss from chemotherapy, which happens all over your body. With radiation, you may start losing hair in your treatment area 2-3 weeks after the first therapy session. It usually takes about 1 week for all hair in the treatment area to fall out.
Your hair may grow back in the months after treatment is over. When it comes to hair loss, you need to decide whether to cut your hair or shave your head before losing it. If you settle on shaving it, the best time to do so before starting radiation treatment is so you don’t have to make your mask if it changes. If you plan to buy a wig, do so while you still have hair.
Ensure that you’re fully aware of the different radiation side effects before commencing your therapy sessions.
