What's the best aloe vera solution I can get

[Longhorn]

to help with itching at the site of my radiation therapy? I have the green gel that you get for a sunburn -- and they told me it's similar to a sunburn -- but is there something better?

Thanks! :hi:

[ThomCat]

1. I have to use a medication to control an itching side effect of

one of my meds. The anti-itching med was apparently developed for cancer patients.

It definitely works better than any lotion.

[Longhorn]

4. So it's something you take?

I can ask my doctor but my condition doesn't seem serious enough for a prescription -- at least, not yet. It's just a little annoying right now.

Thanks! :hi:

[Flaxbee]

2. there should be several ointments / "goop" to put on the sites...

I don't know what your course of treatment is, but my sister's skin started to ulcerate a bit after the first few weeks and they gave her several different ointments. Hers were also for scar reduction, but I can ask her what she used if you'd like to mention it to your doctors.

I do know that much of what she used stained a lot - so be prepared to buy/use/toss baggy pants, tshirts, etc.

You are being burned - so there are definitely special burn treatments you'll want to look into. There are definitely better products, but many of them are specialty products designed specifically for treating radiated skin.

[Longhorn]

5. I've just had four treatments over two days

and will repeat in two weeks. The last treatment was Wednesday afternoon. They must be pretty intense for me to have this reaction so quickly -- definitely similar to a burn! Maybe since I have a couple of more weeks, it will have time to heal before the next round. I don't care about scars in this particular area. ;)

Thanks! :hi:

[Gormy Cuss]

3. Fruit of the Earth brand

It's nothing but pure aloe vera gel. I used to buy it at CVS.

on edit: because it's nothing but aloe vera, it takes a few tries to figure out how much to apply without leaving a very sticky residue but the stuff was the best sunburn relief that I've ever encountered (good for minor cooking burns too, which is how I used it most often. :-) )

[Longhorn]

6. Hey, that's great!

I'm headed to my daughter's house and there's a CVS near her. I'll check it out! The sticky residue shouldn't be a problem -- I'll wear my old-lady cotton underwear (that just HAPPEN to be from Victoria Secret! ;))

Thanks! :hi:

[flvegan]

7. The best? Right from the plant. However, the best burn solution

was a cream called Bencelok. That stuff was awesome.

[Longhorn]

8. Is it a prescription?

I guess I could get a plant but it won't fit in my purse very well. ;) Maybe I can do both, though I'm pretty good at killing plants, unfortunately.

Thanks! :hi:

[flvegan]

9. I don't think you can get it anymore.

It had a lot of potential. The testing I saw (I was friends in college with someone that had family involved in it's creation) allegedly cured skin cancer and everything else topical. I think the FDA has kept them from producing it. I was lucky and got a couple of advance samples.

[Road Scholar]

10. You can get a live aloe vera plant. We keep one around the house for burns

Just break it open and pinch out the gel.Sometimes it acts so quickly, it's unbelievable.
PS: I hope you're feeling ok.:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

[eleny]

11. I hope you have a good rest of the weekend!

Wish I could help with ointment ideas but it looks like you've gotten some great ideas.

Take care! :yourock:

[Bzzzz]

12. We Like Gold Bond...

with aloe vera.

[FuzzySlippers]

13. Don't hesitate to ask for a prescription for something stronger.

My radiation oncologist prescribed something called Biafine when I started having redness and itching on my radiation site. It was much more soothing than the aloe vera gel I had been using regularly. Best of luck to you! :hi: :hug:

On edit: I see upthread Flaxbee mentioned that several of the ointments her sister tried were greasy and staining. I found that the Biafine absorbed well, and I didn't have any problems with staining.

[Longhorn]

14. I appreciate the suggestions!

I'll check into some of these ideas. This afternoon, I haven't felt it at all so maybe what I have is working, but I'd love to get a plant. My MIL always used aloe vera that way.

I just got back from eating out with my husband, our two married daughters, their husbands and a former son-in-law who is still a part of the family (and, in fact, was married to one of the daughters with me tonight.) Earlier, my in-laws came by. I realized that I really need to be around people. It perks me up and helps me take my mind off of things. The margarita with dinner helped, too. :)

:hi:

[ScreamingMeemie]

15. I know, many times doctors will give you biafine (sp).

You may want to ask. I will keep you in my thoughts as you fight this.

[FuzzySlippers]

16. Biafine is right MrsG.

Wonderful stuff! :hi: :hug: