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Skin very dry from radiotherapy
Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2020 12:21 pm
by Guest Posts
My husband had treatment for two skin cancers – one on his ear and one on his nose - a couple of years back which was Radiotherapy. Since then his skin is very dry and he has something like a small spot on his nose, something on his lower eyelid and he says he is itchy on his chest which has quite a few red spots that look like a contact rash..... can anyone offer any advice as to what to use on the itchy skin – almost impossible to see a doctor at the moment so would appreciate any help you can give.
Thanks in advance
Linda
Re: Skin very dry from radiotherapy
Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2020 9:28 pm
by Julie Van Onselen
Dear Linda
I am sorry to hear your husband is uncomfortable with dry skin. The skin lesions on his face should be examined, especially as he has a history of skin cancer. The dry skin and red spots on his chest, may well be a contact eczema or simply eczematous skin due to dry skin. I suggest that he books an appointment with his GP to have his skin examined. In the meantime, dry irritated skin can be treated with complete emollient therapy (can also be used for washing his face and shaving), discuss with your local pharmacist and ask them to recommend a bland fragrance-free emollient, which should be used for washing and moisturising. Avoid all soaps and cosmetic washes - anything that bubbles. The pharmacist may recommend a topical treatment for the red spots, if eczema is diagnosed. Do visit The National Eczema Society website and download their factsheet on emollients for more advice and practical tips:
https://eczema.org/information-and-advi ... mollients/
I hope this helps your husband.
Re: Skin very dry from radiotherapy
Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2020 2:28 pm
by Dr Vishal Madan
Dear Linda
Sorry to hear about your husband's ongoing symptoms. Without seeing him in person or the photos of his skin rash; it is impossible to be certain however, if he has scaly spots on nose and lower eyelid, I would be considering a diagnosis of Actinic keratosis. This is nothing alarming, just sun damaged skin.
Likewise the skin on the chest could be a multitude of conditions as previously suggested.
Please request your husband's GP to at least review his pictures if they are not offering F2F appointments.
Best wishes
Vishal