麻豆视频

Chemotherapy and radiation can increase your sensitivity to the sun, putting you at risk for burns. Even if you鈥檙e not sunbathing, it鈥檚 important to take precautions any time you鈥檒l be outside.

聽鈥淐hemo and the sun don鈥檛 mix,鈥� says Mary Brown, NP, who specializes in geriatric oncology at Wilmot.

During treatment and for months after, chemotherapy will make you much more vulnerable to the sun鈥檚 damaging UV rays. Even as little as 10 minutes in the sun without protection can lead to blisters and swelling, Brown says.

Radiation therapy can also make the skin in the area where you were treated more sensitive. Treated areas should not be exposed to direct sun for up to a year after treatment, says Trish Bieck, RN, BSN, OCN. 聽If you get a sunburn in the area that鈥檚 receiving radiation, your treatment may be delayed until your skin heals.

While staying out of the sun offers the best protection, it鈥檚 also not always practical or desirable.

So, before you head outdoors, Brown and Bieck offer this advice:

• Remember that the sun鈥檚 rays can be just as damaging on a cloudy day as on a bright, sunny one.
• Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher with both UVA and UVB protection. You may want to check with your care team for recommendations on sunscreen, especially if you have sensitive skin. No matter which sunscreen you choose, make sure to apply it at least every two hours. If you鈥檒l be in the water or are sweating, you鈥檒l need to apply it more often.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants to protect your arms and legs. Be careful in V-neck shirts, which can easily expose sensitive skin. Clothing made from wicking material, which moves moisture away from your skin, can help you stay cool.
• Cover your head, especially if you鈥檝e lost your hair to chemo.
• Protect your ears and the back of your neck, too, with sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Protect your eyes, too, with sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection.