Contraindications for Mepitel film use
- Active rash or preexisting dermatitis.
- Silicone or adhesive sensitivity/allergy.
- Did not receive approval from radiation oncologist for use during and after radiation treatment.
For application by healthcare provider
- Arrive day before (or as close as possible) to radiation treatment.
- Arrive showered with no deodorant, lotions, oils or creams on.
Instructions to maintain the integrity of Mepitel film
- Shower as normal, but try to avoid direct water spray to the film.
- Do not take baths, use hot tubs or swimming pools as the film may come off.
- After showering, pat the film gently to dry area.
- Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the area with your hands or towels.
- Avoid heavy exercise or activity that would cause excessive perspiration.
Recipe for making homemade saline compresses (source: BC Cancer)
- Boil one litre (4 cups) of water.
- Remove from heat.
- Add 5-7.5 mL (1.5-2 teaspoons) table salt to the boiled water.
- Stir until dissolved.
- Pour solution into a clean one litre (4 cups) container.
- Cover and leave out at room temperature to cool.
- Make a fresh solution each evening.
Saline Compress (source: BC Cancer)
- Wash your hands well with soap and water.
- Place gauze or clean face cloth in a clean bowl.
- Cover gauze or clean face cloth with room temperature saline solution. Do not use hot saline solution.
- Lay wet gauze or face cloth over your irritated skin and leave for 10-15 minutes. You can wet the gauze or face cloth again if it starts to dry out.
- If using gauze, throw away. Do not reuse used face cloths.
- Gently dry surrounding skin.
- Repeat as often as you feel necessary depending on your symptoms.
To remove Mepitel film
- Remove the film in shower/bath with soap.
- Gently and slowly peel off keeping film close to skin.
After completing radiation treatment
- Continue to wear film for 2 weeks upon completion to continue to promote tissue healing and recovery.
- After those two weeks, moisturize radiation area 1-2x/day after shower/bath
Instructional video for radiation patients