HC News

• Skin and radiotherapy, special care amid summer
• Dra. Marta Pérez Bocanegra, odontóloga ortodoncista en HC Marbella
• Asma y alergias respiratorias: ¿Cuándo acudir al neumólogo y cuándo al alergólogo?
• Optune Gio (TTFields): an innovative therapy for grade 4 glioma
• ¿Qué enfermedades afectan más a los hombres?
• Healthy sun exposure is key to preventing sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer
• High pollen levels in spring: How does it affect you if you are allergic?
• HC Cancer Center renews QOPI certification, an assurance of quality and safety for cancer patients
• Eye allergy: a common condition that requires specialised attention
• A new surgery-free technique to say goodbye to reflux: EsophyX-Z Fundoplication at HC Marbella
• More news

Skin and radiotherapy, special care amid summer

 
It is always important to take care of your skin in summer, but it is even more important if you are a cancer patient undergoing treatment.

 
Cancer treatments, such as radiotherapy, can cause changes in the skin, making it more sensitive, dry or irritated. Although these effects may be uncomfortable, with proper care it is possible to keep a healthy skin and alleviate these discomforts, which are accentuated during the summer.
 
As conveyed by Dr. Paula Sedano, a specialist in radiation oncology, radiotherapy is a fundamental part of multidisciplinary cancer treatment, offering the ability to destroy cancer cells and prevent them from growing and reproducing.
 
By directing maximum radiation dose to the tumour and minimum dose to healthy tissues. Even so, healthy cells close to the treatment area can also suffer damage, which is why we must follow certain recommendations to help in the process of repairing and regenerating them.
 
In this context, the most common symptoms are erythema or redness of the skin, skin irritation, itching or increased photosensitivity. In more severe, but also very rare cases, inflammation of the skin can lead to lesions or even small ulcers that can become superinfected and may cause minor bleeding.
 

If we are oncology patients, how can we protect our skin in summer?

1. 1. Daily sun protection:

 

 

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher with UVA and UVB rays protection.

 

• Proper application: Apply abundantly to all exposed areas 30 minutes before going out and reapply every 2 hours, especially if you sweat or get wet.

 

• Avoid direct sun exposure: Whenever possible, stay in the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the rays of the sun are most intense.

 

 

2. Skin care during radiotherapy:

 

 

• Keep skin moisturised: Use creams or lotions recommended by the doctor, preferably without fragrances or irritating ingredients.

 

• Recommended products: Creams with ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, ceramides or colloidal oatmeal, which help soothe and protect the skin.

 

• Do not use lotions with alcohol, strong fragrances, or abrasive products on the treated area.

 

3. Additional advice:

 

• Protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses for extra protection.

 

• Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing in areas that come into contact with the treated skin area (e.g. for breast treatment, wear loose-fitting T-shirts and cotton underwear, and allow the skin to breathe at home).

 

• Avoid extreme temperatures: Do not expose yourself to excessive heat or intense cold, which can intensify skin irritation.

 

• When the skin manifests erythema and becomes red, it is best to avoid swimming in pools or the sea. If the treatment is above the waist, you can go into the water from the waist down to cool off.

 

• If you are undergoing treatment, always consult the medical team before using any new product or if you experience any discomfort or changes in your skin.

 

The important thing is to consult your doctor when in doubt, asking questions and establishing a relationship of trust. Do not allow yourself to be left in doubt.

 

Dra. Paula Sedano Ferreras
Radiation Oncology Specialist

July 15, 2025