A friend's grandmother is undergoing radiation treatments for cancer and her skin appears to be very thin. She says it is painful to touch.

Does anyone know of something that will help?

Thanks,
Teresa

(I also posted this in "Internal Medicine and Illnesses.")

Aloe Vera is said to reduce skin reactions due to radiation therapy, however your friend's grandmother should consult her doctor before using anything on her skin. The skin should also be clear of all lotions etc. when actually receiving the raiation therapy.

Numerous research studies document the effectiveness of Aloe in preventing or treating reactions to radiation. For example, emulsions of juices from Aloe were applied externally after radiation treatment to 260 human patients. Researchers claimed the emulsions were far more therapeutic than most synthetic preparations in reducing skin reactions due to irradiation. They said Aloe emulsions were “recommended for preventing the development of local reactions in radiation therapy, in the treatment of dry and moist epidermitis (inflammation of the outer layers of the skin) and treating radiation burns of the second and third degrees.” Aloe was also found to accelerate tissue repair and normal cell growth, and to help treat other dermatological problems.

I must stress again that your friend's grandmother should consult the doctor responsible for her treatment before applying anything to her skin.

I must reinforce Karrow's answer. My husband had radiation therapy, and there was ample medical personnel to advise EACH PATIENT ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS how to deal with burns and pain. This is definitely not a home-remedy situation.