title: Management of radiotherapy-induced skin reactions.
abstract: Radiotherapy is a highly effective cancer treatment that not only offers cure but also excellent palliation of disease related symptoms and complications. Although radiotherapy is primarily an outpatient treatment, delivered within specialist centres, a diverse range of health professionals may be involved in the treatment pathway before, during and after treatment. Radiotherapy can, and does, make a significant contribution to improving a patient's wellbeing through effective symptom management. However, treatment-related side-effects do occur, with an acute skin reaction being one of the most common. It is imperative that radiotherapy-induced skin reactions are correctly assessed and appropriately managed in promoting patient comfort, treatment compliance and enhanced quality of life. This article describes how the use of a recognised assessment tool and evidence-based guidelines can facilitate consistent, high-quality care in the management of radiotherapy-induced skin reactions.
authors.affiliation: Deputy Nurse Manager, Community and Day Services/Clinical Nurse Specialist Palliative Care, St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds, UK.
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Trueman
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology
keywords: Cancer treatments; Clinical guidelines; Desquamation; Radiotherapy; Skin reactions; Symptom management