What Are Radiation Burns?

Radiation burns (also known as radiation dermatitis) are one of the most common side effects of radiotherapy. During a radiotherapy session, the skin is the first to be exposed to radiation. Almost 95% of patients who undergo radiation therapy may develop mild, moderate to severe skin reactions. This is most commonly seen in those undergoing head and neck or breast cancer radiotherapy.

During radiation therapy, the skin may be injured by radiation exposure. Radiation energy can damage DNA and other cellular structures in your skin cells. When skin cells are damaged, an inflammatory response may be triggered, gathering protective immune cells at the injury site.

When the damage is too severe, skin tissue may no longer be able to repair itself, or continue building the skin’s protective outer layer (also known as keratinization).

If your skin is damaged by radiation, you may face redness, soreness, ulcers, swelling, scaling or flaking skin, persistent itching or a burning sensation. If these side effects are severe, or if they affect your quality of life, your doctor may consider lowering the radiation dose given, or stopping radiotherapy completely.

According to a review by the Multinational Association for Supportive Cancer Care (MASCC), the following options are recommended to prevent radiation burns:

• Topical corticosteroids (e.g. mometasone or betamethasone)
• Polyurethane film (e.g. Hydrofilm)
• Silicone-based polyurethane (e.g. Mepitel film) for breast cancer
• Photobiomodulation (also known as low-level laser therapy) for breast cancer
• Olive oil

Other options which were recommended, but did not receive a full consensus from the panel include: lotion, silver nylon dressing, and turmeric or silymarin-based (derived from milk thistle) products.

In addition to these clinically recommended approaches, gentle skincare and barrier-supporting products may also help maintain skin integrity during treatment. For example, formulations like BeeCure Radiation & Laser Skin Care Cream, contain ingredients such as buckwheat honey and calendula, and can support hydration and soothe sensitive skin.

However, an international consensus on the best way to prevent radiation burns has not yet been reached. Each cancer center may be likely to have their own recommended methods for their patients, and it is best to follow what your provider recommends for you.

Currently, the ‘gold standard’ for treating radiodermatitis has also not yet been established internationally. Some suggest using unscented moisturizing creams (without lanolin) to relieve dry and itchy skin, while severe radiation burns may require specialized cream.

A smooth emollient can help create a protective and occlusive barrier. Additionally, moisturizing products which bind water to the skin, may improve the skin’s condition.

To treat radiation burns, the MASCC recommends the use of foam dressings (e.g. Mepilex Lite). hydroactive colloid gel was also recommended, but did not receive a full consensus from the panel.

Frequently discussed radiation burn creams online include: BeeCure’s Radiation & Laser Skin Care Cream (contains buckwheat honey and calendula), Miaderm Radiation Relief (contains calendula and aloe vera), and Aquaphor (petroleum-based ointment).

Commonly used ingredients like buckwheat honey, calendula and aloe vera are known for their anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties, which are important for wound healing.

However, more severe radiation burns may require more intensive treatments. If moist desquamation (a severe type of radiation burn, known for peeling skin and leaking watery fluid) is seen, hydrocolloid dressings can provide a moist environment for the skin tissue to heal.

With the right care, it is possible to manage radiation burns. If you are currently undergoing radiotherapy, talk to your doctor about the best options to manage your risk and skin health.

This article is an educational collaboration with BeeCure and is not sponsored.