Let's Talk Radiation Rash (again)

FINDING RELIEF FROM RADIATION BURN: WHAT HAS HELPED ME
Target Keyword: radiation burn relief
Meta Description: Discover natural ways to soothe radiation burn. Learn what helped me—calendula, clean skincare swaps, and trusted products like DermaVitality.

When I first heard the words “radiation therapy,” I knew there would be side effects. But no one warned me about how intense radiation burns and rashes would be, especially on the scalp. These were not just mild irritations or a little redness—this was raw, sensitive skin that felt like it was constantly on fire. Every shower stung. Lying down hurt. And wearing a hat or even resting my head on a pillow? Sometimes unbearable.

I want to talk about it because not enough people do. Radiation burn is real, and it is brutal. I also want to share what has helped me find relief—not cures, but real tools that made this part of the journey a little more manageable. If you are going through this, I see you. You are not alone, and there are things you can try that may ease the pain.

CLEANING UP MY SKINCARE ROUTINE

After being diagnosed with glioblastoma , one of the first things I changed was the products I was using on my skin. The more I read, the more I realized how many chemicals and synthetic fragrances were in everyday deodorants, shampoos, and body washes. And when your skin is being hit with radiation five days a week, the last thing it needs is more irritation.

I decided to switch to Native brand deodorant and shampoo. They are aluminum-free, paraben-free, and designed for sensitive skin. That small change made a big difference. I was no longer layering unnecessary chemicals onto my already fragile skin.

It is amazing how something so simple—swapping out your soap or shampoo—can be the start of a more holistic healing process. Your skin deserves kindness , especially when it is already taking a beating from cancer treatment.

DISCOVERING CALENDULA: NATURE’S SOOTHING SECRET

I had never heard of calendula before cancer. But once I began researching natural remedies for radiation skin damage, it came up over and over. Calendula is derived from the marigold flower and has been used for centuries to soothe wounds, burns, and irritated skin.

According to the National Library of Medicine , calendula has demonstrated powerful results in reducing the severity of radiation dermatitis. One landmark clinical trial compared calendula to trolamine (a common prescription cream), and calendula outperformed it , particularly in breast cancer patients going through radiation.

👉 Reference:
Pommier P, Gomez F, Sunyach MP, et al. Phase III randomized trial of Calendula officinalis compared with trolamine for the prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 2004; 22:1447-1453.
Read it here

Another study confirmed what I was beginning to believe: calendula not only helps with inflammation, but also boosts skin regeneration and provides radiation burn relief naturally.
👉 Read the 2015 review on Antioxidants

MY EXPERIENCE WITH DERMAVITALITY CALENDULA CREAM

Once I knew what calendula could do, I started searching for creams that used it as a main ingredient. That’s when I found DermaVitality Radiation Relief Cream . It was designed specifically for people like me—people going through chemo and radiation, with skin that felt like it was falling apart.

I applied it twice a day, once in the morning after radiation and again at night before bed. Within days, I noticed less redness, less tenderness, and even a reduction in some of the small skin breaks I had on my scalp. It became part of my routine—like brushing my teeth or putting on my Optune arrays.

👉 You can check it out here:
DermaVitality Calendula Cream

I also shared my experience on my YouTube channel:
📺 Watch here

OTHER SKIN-LOVING INGREDIENTS I’M TRYING

Calendula is not the only gentle warrior in this fight. I’ve started experimenting with products that contain:

• Aloe vera – cooling and hydrating, especially after treatment

• Colloidal oatmeal – great for itchiness

• Chamomile – another flower that helps calm inflammation

• Manuka honey – powerful at healing minor skin wounds and promoting skin regeneration

These ingredients have been game changers for many in the cancer community. I’m testing a few different formulations now and plan to share reviews soon. What I can tell you already is this: nature offers serious support if we know where to look.

THE EMOTIONAL SIDE OF RADIATION BURNS

Let us talk about what no one talks about: the psychological toll. The way it feels to see your skin change. The frustration when it cracks or peels or stings so badly you want to scream. It is not just a rash. It is a reminder every single day that cancer is inside you.

There were nights I cried not from fear—but from feeling ugly, fragile, and exhausted . Putting on a shirt could hurt. Hugging someone could feel like sandpaper on fire.

And that is why I share this now. Because if I had found someone talking about this sooner, I would have felt a little less alone. So if you are reading this and struggling with radiation burns , please know: you are not weak. You are not vain. You are human.

RADIATION BURN RELIEF IS POSSIBLE

Not every product will work for every person. But relief is possible. Whether it is a calendula cream, a natural body wash, a diet that reduces inflammation, or simply taking the time to gently care for yourself—these things add up.

If you are just starting your radiation journey, be proactive. Talk to your oncologist about skin care. Bring your own products. Read labels. Ask questions. Advocate for your comfort, because you deserve to feel better during this fight .

QUICK LINKS & RESOURCES

👉 Try the cream I love:
https://dermavitality.com/products/calendula-radiation-relief-cream

📺 Watch my YouTube review:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnVsGBM

📚 Research studies:
Pommier et al. 2004: https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.2004.07.063

Kodiyan & Amber 2015: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/4/2/293

SHARE YOUR STORY

Have you found something that works for your radiation skin care? I would love to hear from you. Drop a comment on my blog or message me on social media. Let’s keep building this community of warriors—one post, one product, and one bit of healing at a time.