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Radiotherapy and Deodorant: Ask About Your Treated Skin

Your skin and treatment team’s instructions matter when discussing your usual product.

Woman in a pink cardigan preparing skin-care questions at home.
In this article
  1. Myth: radiotherapy means a blanket deodorant ban
  2. Bring the skin question to your team

Tell your radiotherapy team if you notice skin soreness or changes. If the skin breaks, NHS1 guidance says to stop using products on it; ask your team for individual skin-care advice.1

Myth: radiotherapy means a blanket deodorant ban

NHS1 guidance says you can use your usual deodorant unless it irritates your skin. That exception matters. Discuss your product and the area being treated with your team, especially if you have noticed irritation.1

Bring the skin question to your team

Radiotherapy side effects vary with the treatment and body area. Skin may become sore, change colour, feel dry or itchy, or blister and peel. Report changes so your team can advise you.1

Try: “This is my usual deodorant. What instructions apply to my treated skin, and whom should I contact if it becomes sore or changes?”1

Arms Up includes a visit script. Use it to keep your questions together. See the book.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.

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Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.

Sources

The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.

  1. NHS, 2023Side effects of radiotherapy (opens in a new tab)abcdef

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