The "kinder, gentler" IMRT radiation has burned the heck out of my neck, all around. I am a peeling, weeping vision of loveliness. Right now the powers that be have me on pills for the pain, but after 8 more treatments I will be able to use topical medication. I am looking for a recommendation, either OTC or prescription.

Thanks,
Joanna

Joanna,

Sorry to hear of the burn problem. Is there a reason why you can't use anything now?

Although my mother has only completed her first week of conventional radiation, she was told to use "as pure as possible" aloe vera or Vitamin E. I was able to find some 98% pur aloe vera which I will deliver to her tomorrow. She can not use it immediately before or in between treatments but can use after second treatment and at night and any time on weekends.

Hope this helps.

Cynthia

Thank you, Cynthia. When I heal up a bit more I will definitely use those items. Today I put my remaining hair in a ponytail and waltzed into radiation. Talk about fast action! I am now wearing a narcotic patch good for 3 days, and have four more for after that. Life and drugs are good!

I used Aquaphor to help my skin. This is an OTC product recommended to me by the spouse of a patient. When I asked the radiation team they said "Oh yes that is really good" (so why didn't they tell me about it?) Anyway they said I could use it after my treatments each day but not to put it on before coming in for treatment. The other item (which I think is prescription) was silver sulfadiazine cream. This really helped the worst burns.

After they fried me so badly that I could not turn my head, I used a cream called BIAFINE. It is also marvelous on healing those scars from the neck dissections. I have now had two and you can barely see the scars. This cream however cannot be used on open wounds. I think BIAFINE still requires a prescription so ask your surgeon or radiologist. They also recommend using it before radiation to help prevent burn. Wish someone had told me before it was too late.

I also used Aquaphor but it had no effect on the bad burns. I prefered Aloe Relief which is a product I have used for years as a face cream and for sunburn.

Hope that helps.

The things I don't know! Thank you very much for such great information. This is, in many ways, better than asking the doctor.

Now. Anybody know how to make hair grow back faster? (grin)

Newly Bald Joanna