Radiotherapy and Your Skin with Oncapsisens RX

"Caring for your Skin during Radiotherapy: Tips and Solutions"

Radiotherapy is an essential technique in the treatment of cancer, used in approximately half of cases, either as a single therapy or in combination with other treatments. Understanding how it works and its effects is essential to confront it effectively. In this article, we will explore in detail what radiation therapy is, its side effects and, most importantly, how to care for your skin during this process.

What is Radiotherapy?

Radiation therapy is a method that uses high-energy particles, such as x-rays or gamma rays, to damage or kill cancer cells. This is achieved by generating ionizing radiation, which creates electrically charged particles in the cells of the treated tissues. Radiation primarily affects cells that are actively dividing, causing damage to their DNA and ultimately their death. However, it may also affect nearby normal cells to a lesser extent, which may result in unwanted side effects.

Radiotherapy is used at different times in cancer treatment, whether before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor, after surgery to prevent recurrences, or even preventively in areas prone to metastasis.

Side Effects of Radiotherapy

Damage to non-cancerous cells can cause side effects that vary depending on the area treated and the type of treatment. Some of these effects include:

• Skin Damage: May cause redness, dryness, itching, peeling and blisters in the treated area.

• Tiredness: Generalized fatigue that may persist during and after treatment.

• Hair loss: Unlike chemotherapy, hair loss is limited to the treated area.

• Discomfort: It is more common if the treatment area is near the stomach or brain.

• Difficulty eating and drinking: May cause loss of appetite and discomfort when swallowing.

• Diarrhea: They usually occur when the abdomen or pelvis is treated.

• Joint and muscle stiffness.

• Sexual and reproductive problems: Loss of libido, vaginal dryness, erectile dysfunction or infertility.

• Lymphedema: This is due to damage to the lymphatic system caused by radiation.

Skin Care during Radiotherapy

The skin in the treatment area is especially prone to alterations. To alleviate these discomforts, here are some tips:

• Wash your skin every day with mild soap and warm water. Dry gently instead of rubbing.

• Keep your skin hydrated with creams suitable for skin undergoing radiotherapy. Avoid perfumed products and heavy lotions.

• Avoid shaving the area if possible.

• Do not apply heat or cold to the treated area.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton or silk.

• Always use high factor sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher) on treated skin and try to cover it when you are in the sun.

At Prospera Biotech, they strive to improve the quality of life of cancer patients. A new formulation for the care of skin undergoing radiotherapy is being developed and is demonstrating excellent results in safety and efficacy trials carried out at the General Hospital of Elche. Soon it will be available to you: ONCAPSISENS RX.

Taking care of your skin is essential during cancer treatment, and we are here to provide you with the solutions you need.

Taking care of your skin during radiation therapy is essential for your well-being during cancer treatment. Follow these tips and look for solutions like Oncapsisens RX to relieve discomfort and keep your skin healthy.