Yes, and in fact you should – but only certain types as directed. During treatment, we often prescribe specific creams or at least recommend over-the-counter ones to help manage side effects. Commonly used ones include:
- Hydrocortisone cream or stronger steroid cream: This helps reduce inflammation, redness, and itching in the area. We might have you apply a thin layer to calm the skin (for example, a prescription 1% or 2.5% hydrocortisone, depending on severity of reaction).
- Antibiotic ointment: If the skin breaks or looks like it might infect, something like mupirocin or bacitracin can be applied to prevent infection. Sometimes we have patients use a combo like a polymyxin/bacitracin (Polysporin) if minor oozing is present.
- Moisturizers/protectants: Plain petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or Aquaphor (which is petrolatum with some other soothing ingredients) is a mainstay. These form a barrier and keep the skin from drying out. They also help any scabs to soften.
- Silvadene (silver sulfadiazine) cream: Occasionally used if the reaction is more intense (commonly used on burns).
- Aloe vera gel or specialty radiation therapy creams: Some patients like using pure aloe or are given a product like Miaderm (a cream for radiation dermatitis). These are generally soothing and fine to use, but always run any product by your doctor to ensure no irritants in it.
It’s important not to use any harsh or unapproved products on the area. That means no retinoids, no glycolic acid or peels, no perfumed lotions, etc., during treatment. Those could aggravate the skin further.
After treatment, you continue to use creams during the healing phase (2-6 weeks post-treatment) until the skin fully recovers. Eventually, you won’t need special creams once it’s healed. But even long-term, using sunscreen and perhaps vitamin E or silicone-based scar gel (if any slight mark remains) is not a bad idea, though actual scar gel often isn’t necessary because there’s no true scar.
So yes, use the creams/ointments as instructed. They will make you much more comfortable and help the skin heal. If you’re ever unsure about a certain ointment, ask. For instance, some people wonder if they can use antibiotic ointment preventatively; we usually say it’s not needed unless there’s an open area, as overuse could cause irritation or resistance, but we will direct you specifically.
In summary, appropriate creams and ointments are a key part of care and you should use them regularly during and after IG-SRT to optimize your skin’s condition. They are your friends in this process!
