Cutaneous acceptability and hydratation of topical products in patients undergoing radiotherapy and antineoplastic treatment

Background: New antineoplastic agents have increased the survival rate of cancer patients, however, the incidence of cutaneous skin toxicity, which leads to worsening in the quality of life and to the necessity of interrupting the treatment, continues presently. Natural agents, as Aloe vera and Calendula, have been suggested as potential ways of prevention and treatment for radiation dermatitis resulting from radiotherapy, providing better adhesion to the therapies and improving the wellbeing of the patients. Purpose: To evaluate the cutaneous acceptability and hydrating effect of four topical test products in patients undergoing radiotherapy and antineoplastic treatment. Methods: Both sex participants, undergoing oncological treatments, were included. Patients received a prescription to self-applied topical test products - A (Washcare), B (Moistcare), C (Extremecare) and D (Coolcare Mask) during 30 days. Products acceptability and skin hydration were evaluated considering the occurrence of skin adverse reaction, participants self-reported feelings of skin discomfort, dermatologist and instrumental skin hydration evaluation. Results: Thirty-three participants initiated and completed the study. None of them had skin reactions or discomfort in the area of application, and no adverse events were reported. Twenty-five participants (75.8%) reported improvement in skin hydration after using the test products, while eight participants (24.2%) observed the maintenance of hydration (p<0,005). Conclusion: The products evaluated showed improvement in skin condition in most patients, increased hydration and good skin acceptability in patients with skin toxicities caused by the cancer treatments. (author)