• Redness, irritation
• Dryness, scaling, itching
• Moistness, weeping
• Darkening of the skin

Again, these reactions occur only in the area of treatment and most should clear up within a few weeks following the last treatment.

Special Instructions

• Keep your skin clean and dry.
• Wash the skin in the treatment area with warm water using your fingertips. Rinse well and pat the skin dry.
• Use gentle detergents to wash the clothes you wear next to the skin in the treatment area.
• If your scalp is in the treated area, use a mild shampoo.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing made of soft fabric over the area of treatment.
• Wear clothing to protect skin in the treatment area from sun exposure. A high-collared shirt or wide-brimmed hat may be helpful in protecting the face, head and neck area.
• If bandages or dressings need to be applied to the area being treated, use only paper tape.
• If the face, neck or underarm are being treated, use only an electric razor to shave.

Avoid

• Avoid using a washcloth over your skin markings.
• Avoid rubbing or scratching the skin in the treatment area.
• Avoid using anything on the skin in the treatment area unless prescribed by your radiation doctor. This includes lotions, creams, ointments, perfumes, after-shave, deodorant, make-up and medications.
• Avoid extremes of temperature on the skin. This included hot water bottles, heating pads and ice packs.
• Avoid sun exposure in the treatment area.
• Avoid swimming during the course of treatment.

• You should let your markings wear off gradually.
• Avoid prolonged direct sun exposure. Use a sunscreen with Factor 15 or greater.