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April 13
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A MyBCTeam Member

When I had radiation to my breast, armpit, and neck last year I was told not to use deodorant or antiperspirant at all on the armpit that was receiving radiation treatments until after treatments were completed and my skin had healed completely.

April 13
A MyBCTeam Member

I used my normal Dove antiperspirant stick on the healthy armpit and used nothing on the radiation armpit. I was fairly lucky though because that armpit went without antiperspirant for a few months after I had 16 lymph nodes removed in November 2024 so sweating wasn't a big issue during the winter for me. Once things started warming up in Florida I discovered that armpit would barely sweat in comparison to the healthy armpit. I came to the conclusion that the lymph nodes being removed from the one armpit did something to my sweat glands and/or sweat production. I only apply antiperspirant to that side 2 or 3 times a week which is enough to keep me dry. My healthy armpit gets antiperspirant almost every day which it still manages to sweat through.

April 14
A MyBCTeam Member

I use Lume, and have not had any reactions with it- but it is not designed to stop sweat, just to zap the bacteria that causes odor. I am usually ok unless going into a stressful situation- then I will sweat buckets! Then, I will revert back to a stronger antiperspirant until that appt is over, wash the pits and go back to Lume- lol!

April 14
A MyBCTeam Member

So what did u use if anything at all? I have a very hard time not using anything I sweat a lot and I need something.

April 14
MyBCTeam

Which aluminum-free deodorant is good for sensitive skin during radiation?

During radiation therapy, your skin becomes extra sensitive, so choosing the right deodorant is important. Some doctors recommend skipping antiperspirants entirely during treatment since they can cause more irritation. Instead, you might try dusting Show Full Answer

Which aluminum-free deodorant is good for sensitive skin during radiation?

During radiation therapy, your skin becomes extra sensitive, so choosing the right deodorant is important. Some doctors recommend skipping antiperspirants entirely during treatment since they can cause more irritation. Instead, you might try dusting your armpits with cornstarch to absorb moisture and reduce friction.

If you do use deodorant, look for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic options. Even aluminum-free deodorants can sometimes cause irritation, so it's best to avoid products with added fragrances, phthalates, or harsh chemicals.

MyBCTeam members have shared several aluminum-free options that worked well for them:

- Crystal deodorant (available at Walgreens)
- Tom's of Maine natural deodorant
- Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal Roll-On (from Walmart)
- Natural deodorant from Lush (comes in a block)
- Lafe's deodorant (aluminum-, gluten-, and propylene glycol-free)
- Ammens Medicated Powder as an alternative to traditional deodorant

Always check with your doctor or radiation therapist before using any product on the treated area. They can give you personalized advice about when it's safe to start using deodorant again and which products they recommend for your specific situation.

April 13

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