Radiation dermatitis or radiation-induced skin reaction (RISR) usually lasts about 2-4 weeks.
Your skin might well get worse for a while before it gets better. But will generally be healed over and less sensitive to irritation after a month.
Note that skin at the radiation site might look different after it’s healed for quite some time.
Post-radiotherapy skin can be affected by hyperpigmentation where skin is a different colour, texture and tone to surrounding areas. This can mean:
- Darker or silvery patches on skin of colour,
- Or tanned, red or pearly-pink areas on white skin.
This can last for a good while - up to six months is common, but some changes can last much longer.
Take care of delicate skin while healing by moisturising regularly with good, unscented, non-irritant products.
If you're worried about pigmentation, scarring or changes of skin texture after radiotherapy, try Balmonds Rosehip Scar Oil. Rich in regenerative rosehip, anti-inflammatory calendula and chamomile, and calming lavender, is helps even out skin tone and smooth uneven patches.
See How To Look After Your Skin Before, During And After Chemotherapy for a detailed guide to looking after your skin during radio- and chemotherapy.
Recommended products for looking after skin during radiotherapy
Balmonds Cooling Cream
with shea, menthol, aloe vera & lavender
