--- title: "Self-care during radiation therapy | Sutter Health" description: "Learn gentle, evidence-based ways to care for your skin, eat well, and manage fatigue during radiation therapy, with tips from Sutter Health specialists." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/caring-for-yourself-during-radiation" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Health and wellness](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health) / 3. Caring for yourself during radiation # Caring for yourself during radiation Simple steps to soothe skin and ease fatigue * * * October 28, 2026Medically reviewed by [Mark D. Logsdon, M.D.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/dr-mark-d-logsdon-1046239863) Radiation therapy goes after cancer cells. Along the way, it can also reach healthy cells in the treatment area. That’s where self-care comes in. A little extra attention helps you feel more comfortable and supports your body’s healing. The two most [common side effects](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/managing-cancer-treatment-side-effects)? Skin changes and fatigue. The good news: there are simple, evidence-based things you can do to manage both. [We’re here to help](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/cancer-special-services-support). ![Person gently applying moisturizer during cancer care](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/health-topics/person-applying-moisturizer-cancer-care.jpeg) ## Be gentle with your skin [Radiation](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/radiation-oncology) passes through the skin on its way to the cancer. So the skin in the treatment area may look and feel like a sunburn. It might turn red or darker, feel dry or itchy, peel, or blister. These tips can help: - **Wash gently.** Use a mild soap and lukewarm water. Don’t rub, scrub or scratch the treatment area. - **Pat dry.** Let your skin air dry, or pat it gently with a soft towel. No rubbing. - **Moisturize.** Use the cream or lotion your care team recommends. Ask before putting anything on your skin — soaps, lotions, deodorants, perfumes, cosmetics or powders. - **Dress soft.** Wear loose, soft clothing. Tight or stiff clothes can irritate sensitive skin. - **Skip heat and cold.** Don’t use heating pads, ice packs or hot water on the treatment area. - **Protect from the sun.** Wear dark or UV-protective clothing outside. If your care team says it’s OK, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. - **Be careful in water.** Use caution with hot tubs, swimming in lakes and sunbathing during and right after treatment. Keep these habits [going through treatment](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/cancer/your-cancer-care) and for about two weeks after. Skin reactions can keep getting worse for 10 to 14 days after your last session. ## Fuel your body well Good [nutrition](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/oncology-nutrition) is a big part of healing. Think of food as medicine. Your [nutritionist, nurse or doctor](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/whos-on-your-cancer-care-team) can help you choose the right foods to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs. A few things to keep in mind: - **Eat enough.** Your body needs more calories during cancer and treatment. This isn’t the time to try to lose weight. - **Focus on protein.** Enough calories and protein help your body repair itself. - **Adjust if you need to.** Some types of radiation may call for diet changes to ease side effects. Your care team can guide you. ## Ease the tiredness Fatigue is the most common side effect of radiation therapy. It can come on slowly. Your energy may swing from high to low. The key? Listen to your body. Know your limits. And try these steps: - **Stay active.** Gentle movement, like short walks, can help you feel more energized. - **Rest when you need to.** Short naps and breaks help. Just balance rest with activity. - **Ask for help.** Let family and friends pitch in with meals, errands, or chores so you can focus on rest. ## A note on pregnancy If you could become pregnant, it’s very important to avoid pregnancy during radiation therapy. If there is any chance you might be pregnant, [tell your care team right away](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online). ## Keep your care team in the loop Your radiation team will check your skin during treatment. If you notice new or worsening skin changes, pain, blisters or a rash — or if something just doesn’t feel right — tell them right away. They can suggest creams, dressings or other ways to help. You don’t have to figure this out alone. With a few simple habits and the [support of your care team](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/cancer-rehabilitation), you can take care of yourself and feel more comfortable during radiation.   ## Explore related topics [Cancer](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/articles?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Cancer%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22builtin.entityType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Sutter+Health+Page%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=health-and-wellness) ## Cancer care that goes further Our compassionate [oncology teams](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/cancer?sc_site=SutterHealth&sc_lang=en) are here to support you while providing innovative, evidence-based treatment.    [Request a referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals) ## Meet our care team ![Mark D. Logsdon, M.D.](http://a.mktgcdn.com/p/2qaGQGdwvC3FElne9OK2zkcFhCo2I2RC0Q0Vn21wHKQ/480x480.jpg) [Mark D. 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