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What Causes Flaky And Splotchy Skin After Radiation Treatment?
I have had 29 of 32 radiation treatments on my neck for glandular cancer (post tumor removals). My skin is now flaky and splotchy from the radiation. Should I exfoliate it, perhaps with a wash cloth, or let it fall off naturally? It is quite unsightly and I continue to work in an office environment.
Fri, 28 Aug 2015
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
Radiation therapy is a form of energy which is used to destroy cancer cells. Precautions are taken to target the cells affected by cancer but normal cells also might be destroyed.
It is possible that the skin cells on your neck received significant radiation and that is the reason they are becoming flaky. Please allow the flaky skin to fall off naturally. The skin is soft in the region and exfoliating might be a harsh procedure. You might wear a scarf around your neck till your skin in the neck stops flaking. Please do not worry.
Thanks for writing in.
Radiation therapy is a form of energy which is used to destroy cancer cells. Precautions are taken to target the cells affected by cancer but normal cells also might be destroyed.
It is possible that the skin cells on your neck received significant radiation and that is the reason they are becoming flaky. Please allow the flaky skin to fall off naturally. The skin is soft in the region and exfoliating might be a harsh procedure. You might wear a scarf around your neck till your skin in the neck stops flaking. Please do not worry.
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