I know this probably has been posted before but what deoderant do you ladies use? I had surgery last week but cannot use anything under my right arms atm. I have been told not to use one during radiotherapy as it blocks it. Any advice? I am already tired of being stinky.
Hi Kit20,
After my SLNB I was advised not to use deodorant, my BCN suggested I use baby wipes and carry them with me to freshen up when necessary. Not ideal I know, but better than stinking!
I’ve not started rad’s yet so sorry can’t advise. These threads may help.
Libby
Lush do a brilliant natural product made with bicarbonate of soda, i have always used that as opposed to chemicals and am still using it now.
Another problem with using deodorant during rads is that many contain metallic ingredients which can cause burns. There are some deodorants, usually available through the health food chains, which are supposed to be safe to use. I got one of these, but only applied it later in the day, after rads, washing carefully the next morning. I didn’t use it every day, either. It’s different if you are going to work, of course, but wiping is probably the best course most of the time.
Check those older threads for recommendations.
Hi kit20
As well as the support you are receiving from the other users you might find it helpful to read the bcc booklet on radiotherapy. If you would like to order a copy or read this on line just follow the link below:-
I hope this helpful.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
hi kit20
i had snb and have been told not to shave also if i can avoid it, to let it heal without any irritation at all i have also avoided deodrant as well for same reason. i use simple baby wipes to keep me feeling fresh. i have also got one of those natural deodrants from lush also for when i can use it. its like a bar of soap that you just rub onto the skin.
TTM
Ah Hatty - what is bicarb of soda if not a chemical?!?
I’m having rads at the mo and just washing gently with aqueous cream and hoping I don’t whiff too badly with the hot flushes - at least it’s not summer.
My rad unit recommended AloeVera block deodorant (ForeverLiving)… they recommend that for life as it’s got no alluminium in it. I don’t think it was recommended on the affected side during rads(sorry, can’t quite remember), but I know that the rads affected whatever causes sweat/BO, and, although it was warm when I had rads, there was no perspiration. Mount Vernon Hospital Cancer Unit sells the Aloe Vera stuff… maybe others do… ForeverLiving is available like Tupperware used to be… good AloeVera products generally… I found the AV gel worked the best on my bald head to stimulate growth after it all finished… Jane
Naturisimo is an organic online beauty store. The link below is for a chemical free deodorant, but not to be used during rad’s without first asking.
Radiotherapy kills the sweat glands as well as hair in the axillary region in most people. Ordinary deodorant can be used on the non treatment side. The evidence to suggest deodorants are harmful is very flimsy. Some people like to use non aluminium makes because of the scares. They are available in all large chemists and some Health Food outlets. eg boots or Holland&Barret. If you ave doubts do ring the Helpline or do an Ask the Nurse e- mail
Please be careful when buying non-aluminium deodorants. Several claim to be aluminium-free BUT are actually pure alum - which is pure aluminium salts!!! And there is NO evidence that aluminium causes breast cancer - the recommendation is to avoid aluminium containing products during radio, as it can cause a bad skin reaction.
Read the labels carefully…
Alice Sodium bicarbonate is used in an aqueous solution for medical purposes if you google it you will see all the things its used for. Its also used in baking lol.
I didnt use anything at all during rads. Just researching more it may contain aluminium so best avoid it.
Didn’t start using deodorant until after rads finished . Never felt smelly - washed with a soft sponge and soap everyday. Tried the crystal rock type but found it impossible to apply because of aux clearance. Daughter bought me a rose scented stick deo from Body shop which has no additives and is a good shape for applying and I find this works really well.
Steady with the wipes. Not good if you use them regualy.