A cancer diagnosis can be a blow. At the same time, it’s not the death sentence it had been in the past. Cancer treatment, however, isn’t a walk in the park either. Brenda went into her cancer treatment with eyes wide open. At the outset of her radiation therapy, she applied Lost Remedy Burn Formula.
She contacted us toward the end of her therapy saying, “I want to share that I am just finishing up on my radiation treatment. 3 LEFT! I saw my radiation oncologist today and he said, ‘I don’t want to diminish your experience or anything that you are feeling… you are going through this, not me. But… your skin looks REALLY good!! It does. I know that it could be SO much worse. I Googled radiation dermatitis and have seen the horrific photos. So I want to thank you for this amazing product.”
Radiation dermatitis explained
Radiation therapy uses X-rays to destroy cancer cells. At the same time, it also destroys healthy cells, which can cause skin problems. However, everyone responds differently to radiation treatment. Plus, the amount of radiation you receive is a factor in the severity of side effects.
According to the American Cancer Society, “Any side effect you might have depends on the type and location of cancer, the dose of radiation being given, and your general health. Some people have few or no side effects, while others have quite a few.”
As X-rays pass through the skin, they create irradiated free radicals. The free radicals in turn, damage tissue and DNA as well as inflame the outer and inner layers of your skin.
Because radiation therapy occurs frequently, your skin doesn’t have time to heal between treatments. So, you may experience some or all of these symptoms:
- Redness
- Itching
- Flaking
- Peeling
- Soreness
- Moistness
- Blistering
- Pigmentation changes
- Fibrosis, or scarring of connective tissue
- Skin ulcers
If these symptoms become too severe, treatment is usually stopped to let the skin heal. Then it starts again.
Can you avoid radiation burn?
CBD topicals protect the skin by neutralizing free radicals, which can damage skin. At about three weeks into radiation therapy, the burning starts. Beyond burning, a patient also deals with blistering, increased appearance of aging, dermatitis and sensitivity to sunlight. CBD topicals can protect the skin by neutralizing those free radicals.
In general, doctors recommend aloe vera or other creams to help soothe the burning from radiation. As most cancer survivors know, they don’t do the trick. At Lost Remedy, we created the Burn Formula, a CBD topical specifically to prevent radiation treatment side effects.
Christine told us this about her experience with radiation treatment. “Several years ago I underwent radiation treatment for my cancer and experienced horrible burning and blistering. About a year ago the cancer unfortunately returned, and I have been undergoing extensive radiation treatments for the past several months. I have been using Lost Remedy Burn Formula throughout this treatment and have experienced only minor pinkness. This stuff works great.”
The best CBD topical for radiation burns have several properties. Pure, organic aloe vera gel is the basis for its soothing, burn-relieving formula. Added protein and vitamin-rich avocado oil are combined with carefully selected essential oils organic and hemp-derived CBD oil to complete the package. The simplicity of this formula translates to instant, cooling relief.
The way to prevent burns is to apply the CBD topical to skin surrounding the area of radiation, because the effects of radiation will go beyond the actual treatment area. Apply the cream as soon after radiation treatment as possible. If needed, apply several hours later. Very important: make sure that the area to be treated with radiation is clean and free of any residue before the next treatment. Also, apply to the area on days you don’t have radiation.
Why does radiation burn respond to CBD topicals?
CBD is known to work with an already present endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our bodies that maintains homeostasis or balance. Here’s how they work. Two receptors, CB-1 and CB-2, travel the body and endocannabinoids bind to them. There are many enzymes in the body, but two in particular break down cannabinoids. They are arachidonylethanolamine (AEA), nicknamed anandamide from the Sanskrit word for bliss, and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG).
CB-1 is found mostly in the nervous system and brain. CB-2 is found outside the brain and tends to monitor and regulate the immune system. Both are found throughout the skin. Once enzymes break down the cannabinoids, the resulting endocannabinoids search for receptors to bind with and help maintain balance.
CBD is also an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant. Applied topically, it efficiently and effectively causes the ECS response that triggers repair. Although CBD on its own is a powerful anti-inflammatory, when combined with carrier and essential oils, its power multiplies, helping to target the area with pain-relieving penetration. Some of those essential oils are cooling agents that also help soothe the burn. Look for this combination of oils when you buy CBD burn cream, because it hydrates and helps soothe the skin, reducing burning.