Management of radiation-induced moist skin desquamation using hydrocolloid dressing

Journal Article · Sun Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1990 · Cancer Nursing; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00002820-199008000-00009· OSTI ID:6808368

Margolin, S G; Breneman, J C; Denman, D L; LaChapelle, P; Weckbach, L; Aron, B S ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Cincinnati Medical Center, OH (USA)

Moist skin desquamation has been of concern to radiation oncologists, nurses and patients since the inception of this mode of therapy. As radiation treatment machines became more sophisticated, severe reactions became less of a problem. However, with the increasing use of chemotherapy and radiation as combined modalities, moist skin reaction is occurring with greater frequency. A noncomparative study of 20 patients using a hydrocolloid occlusive dressing (Duoderm) was initiated. The purpose of the study was to determine whether moist occlusive healing would be beneficial. The dressing was evaluated on the basis of healing time, safety, wound temperature, bacterial growth, and comfort. Data were collected using photographs, bacterial cultures, temperature probes, and patient evaluations. Eighteen patients completed the study. All patients' skin reactions healed. There were no wound infections evident. Mean healing time was 12 days, with mean wound temperature relative to body core -0.8 degree C on day 1 and -1.2 degrees C on the healed site. Patient results on comfort were: 8 of 18 excellent, 7 of 18 good, 3 of 18 fair, and 0 of 18 poor. The results of this study indicate that a hydrocolloid occlusive dressing can be effective in the healing process of moist skin reaction that is due to radiation therapy.

• OSTI ID: 6808368
• Journal Information: Cancer Nursing; (USA), Vol. 13:2; ISSN 0162-220X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
RADIOTHERAPY
SIDE EFFECTS
SKIN
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
SKIN DISEASES
RADIOINDUCTION
WOUNDS
HEALING
COLLOIDS
PATIENTS
RADIATION INJURIES
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RECOVERY
BODY
DISEASES
DISPERSIONS
INJURIES
MEDICINE
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOLOGY
RECOVERY
THERAPY
560151* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man