Evidence-based skin care management in radiation therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To review published studies evaluating interventions for the prevention and management of radiation skin reactions/dermatitis.


METHODS
Research studies, review articles, and clinical practice guidelines.


CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence in the literature to recommend specific topical or oral agents in the prevention or management of skin reactions. Recent limited evidence suggests that the use of calendula cream may reduce the incidence of grade 2 and 3 reactions in women with breast cancer. Additionally, early studies evaluating the use of barrier films or creams may improve moist desquamation.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology nurses need to increase their awareness of the evidence or lack of evidence when recommending interventions to their patients. Further research is required to evaluate interventions in the prevention and management of radiation dermatitis.
McQuestion
Maurene
M
Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. maurene.mcquestion@rmp.uhn.on.ca
D000208:Acute Disease; D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001458:Bandages; D020838:Calendula; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004643:Emollients / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004655:Emulsions; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008055:Lipids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000532:radiotherapy; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009824:Ointments; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D018787:Radiation Oncology; D011855:Radiodermatitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D013392:Sucralfate / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; C423724:Biafine; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004643:Emollients; D004655:Emulsions; D008055:Lipids; D009824:Ointments; D013392:Sucralfate; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid