Randomized comparison of dry dressings versus hydrogel in management of radiation-induced moist desquamation.
OBJECTIVE
We present the results of a randomized controlled clinical trial that evaluated the effect of a hydrogel or dry dressing on the time to healing of moist desquamation after radiotherapy to the head-and-neck, breast, or anorectal areas.


METHODS
A total of 357 patients were randomized before radiotherapy to receive simple dry dressings (Tricotex) or a hydrogel (Intrasite), with Tricotex as a secondary dressing. Patients were instructed to use their dressings from the onset of moist desquamation, if it occurred.


RESULTS
Of the 357 patients, 100 (28%) developed moist desquamation. The time to healing was significantly prolonged (hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.99), in patients assigned to gel dressings. No evidence was found that gel dressings had a significant impact on subjectively reported skin symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study have not supported the routine use of hydrogels in the care of patients with moist desquamation and suggests that the healing times are prolonged, without any improvement in patient comfort.
Macmillan
Maureen S
MS
Napier University, Faculty of Life Sciences, Edinburgh, UK. m.macmillan@napier.ac.uk
Wells
Mary
M
MacBride
Sheila
S
Raab
Gillian M
GM
Munro
Alastair
A
MacDougall
Hugh
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D011855:Radiodermatitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D014945:Wound Healing
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D020100:Hydrogels; C515069:IntraSite Gel