- With Mayo Clinic internist
Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
Dr. Sandhya Pruthi, certified by the American Board of Family Practice, has been practicing medicine at Mayo Clinic since 1995 with special interests in breast diseases and women's health.
She is a consultant in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, and the Breast Diagnostic Clinic. She is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minn.
The Winnipeg, Manitoba, native stresses education and patient-related research and has been active in both areas since joining Mayo Clinic. She is the primary investigator at Mayo Clinic of several clinical trials evaluating new agents for the prevention of breast cancer and identification of biomarkers for early detection of breast cancer. Her other research and clinical interests include managing the health of women who are at increased risk of breast cancer, breast pain and hot flashes, and developing patient education decision-making tools for breast-related concerns. She is director of the Breast Diagnostic Clinic and is a member of the Women's Health Executive Committee. Dr. Pruthi has been newly elected as a member to the board of directors for the American Society of Breast Disease. She has assisted with a variety of articles for MayoClinic.com.
"Having an opportunity to share information with my patients in the way that will help them to understand and be able to make educated decisions about their own health is very important to me," she says.
"The Web has become a major information site for people, and I want them to get the best and accurate information to be able to make informed choices for themselves, their family members and friends."
Definition (1)
- HER2-positive breast cancer: What is it?
Risk factors (1)
- Abortion and breast cancer: Is there a link?
Tests and diagnosis (3)
- Breast implants: Do they interfere with mammograms?
- Mammogram: Can it find cancer in dense breasts?
- Conflicting mammogram results: What should I do?
Treatments and drugs (2)
- Breast cancer radiation: Can it cause dry skin?
- Ginger for chemotherapy-induced nausea: Does it work?
Coping and support (1)
- Palliative care: Who is it for?
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Question
Breast cancer radiation: Can it cause dry skin?
Can breast cancer radiation cause dry skin? I received radiation for breast cancer five years ago, and I still have itching and burning at the radiation site. Can you offer any suggestions for relief?
Answer
from Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
Dry skin following breast cancer radiation is fairly common, especially for people who live in dry climates. If you're struggling with itching and burning, consult your radiation oncologist. He or she will consider whether any underlying conditions are contributing to your symptoms. In the meantime, these suggestions may help:
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids.
- Moisturize your skin. Moisturizers provide a seal over your skin to keep water from escaping. Thicker moisturizers work best, such as over-the-counter brands Eucerin and Cetaphil.
- Limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time to about 15 minutes or less, and use warm — rather than hot — water.
- Avoid harsh, drying soaps. Choose mild soaps that have added oils and fats, such as Neutrogena, Basis or Dove. Avoid deodorant and antibacterial soaps. It may also help to limit your lather to strategic areas, such as your face, underarms, genitals, hands and feet.
- Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin. Follow this with generous amounts of moisturizer.
If the itching and burning don't improve or you have scarring from your breast cancer radiation, your doctor may recommend various prescription medications to ease your symptoms.
Next questionGinger for chemotherapy-induced nausea: Does it work?
- Garces YI (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 16, 2008.
