During breast radiotherapy, most UK hospitals advise a soft, non-wired bra in cotton (or no bra if that is more comfortable), carrying on with your usual deodorant unless it irritates your skin, and moisturising the treated area gently and often. Take extra care with the skin folds under the breast and in the armpit, which tend to react more. Advice varies between hospitals, so always follow your own radiotherapy team.
This article offers general information, not medical advice. If you are having radiotherapy, follow the skin care advice given by your radiotherapy team and ask them before using any new product on the treatment area.
Why breast skin needs extra care
Radiotherapy only affects the skin in the area being treated, but some areas react more than others. Skin folds – under the breast and in the armpit – are warm and moist and rub together, which makes the skin there more sensitive (Society and College of Radiographers). If the lymph nodes in your armpit are being treated too, that area needs the same care.
Over the course of treatment, the skin may gradually become pinker or darker, depending on your skin colour, and feel warm, dry, tight or itchy. For the full timeline, see our skin care tips for radiotherapy and our radiotherapy care page.
Bras and clothing
- Avoid tight or underwired bras during treatment (Leeds Teaching Hospitals). A soft cotton bra, crop top or vest is usually more comfortable.
- Going without is fine if it feels better – a loose cotton vest under your top can stop skin rubbing against skin.
- Choose loose tops in natural fibres such as cotton or silk.
- Wear separates to appointments. You will usually need to undress to the waist, so a top and trousers or skirt are easier than a dress (University Hospitals Birmingham).
Deodorant
UK guidance has relaxed on this. The Society and College of Radiographers advises that you can carry on using the deodorant you normally use, unless it irritates your skin – and to stop if the skin blisters or peels. Leeds Teaching Hospitals, for example, says you can continue with an aerosol or roll-on. A few departments still give different advice, so check what yours recommends.
Moisturising the treated area
You can usually carry on with a moisturiser you like; no single product is recommended over another (Society and College of Radiographers). A few practical points:
- Start at the beginning of treatment if you are trying something new, rather than partway through, and test it on another part of your body first (Leeds Teaching Hospitals).
- Smooth it on gently, including into the fold under the breast and the armpit if they are in the treated area. Never rub.
- Not right before treatment. Leeds advises not applying moisturiser in the hour before your session, so a thick layer is not left on the skin.
- Stop on broken skin and ask your radiographers what to use instead.
- For a cooling feel, some hospitals suggest keeping your moisturiser in the fridge.
A hygienic choice: the Radiotherapy Clinical Pack
Superderm Airless 150 ml, a moisturiser for dry, sensitive and treatment-affected skin in a pump you never have to dip your fingers into, together with Pure Aloe Vera Gel 150 ml for a light, cooling feel. Bought separately: £40.94 – in this pack: £37.99.
Superderm contains a light fragrance; Pure Aloe Vera Gel has no added fragrance. If you have been advised to use unperfumed products, check with your radiotherapy team first.
Washing and shaving
- Wash with water that is not too hot and your usual products, then pat dry – especially under the breast.
- Showers are gentler than long soaks in the bath (Leeds Teaching Hospitals).
- Avoid shaving the armpit on the treated side if you can, and do not use wax, hair removal creams or lasers on or near the treated area.
- Skip make-up, perfume and sticky tape on the treated skin.
After your last session
The reaction can keep developing for 10–14 days after treatment finishes, and most people find their skin has improved around four weeks after treatment (Society and College of Radiographers). Keep following the same routine for at least two weeks after your last session (Leeds Teaching Hospitals), and until your skin has healed. The treated breast will stay more sensitive to the sun: protect it for at least a year, with clothing or SPF 50.
When to contact your radiotherapy team
- The skin blisters, peels, breaks or weeps – often first in the fold under the breast.
- Redness is spreading, or the area becomes hot, swollen or oozes.
- The skin is painful, or anything about it worries you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear a bra during breast radiotherapy?
Yes, but most hospitals advise avoiding tight or underwired bras. A soft cotton bra, crop top or vest is usually most comfortable – or none at all, if you prefer.
Can I use deodorant during breast radiotherapy?
Current UK guidance says you can usually keep using your normal deodorant unless it irritates your skin, and stop if the skin blisters or peels. Check your own department’s advice.
Can I shave my armpits during radiotherapy?
Avoid shaving the treated side if you can, and avoid wax, hair removal creams and lasers on or near the treated area, unless your team advises otherwise.
When will my breast skin feel normal again?
Most people notice improvement around four weeks after treatment ends. Skin that blistered or peeled can take longer, and the area will stay more sensitive to the sun.
Sources
- Society and College of Radiographers – Radiotherapy skin reactions: information for patients (2020)
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals – Skin care during and after your radiotherapy treatment
- University Hospitals Birmingham – A patient guide to breast radiotherapy
Always follow the advice of your radiotherapy team.
