Prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis using a non-adhesive foam dressing

Objective: To validate the efficacy of a radiodermatitis management protocol (which involves preventive measures, the application of preventive creams and the use of a non-adhesive, foam dressing with a silicone contact layer) at a radiation oncology department in southern Spain. Method: An observational study was carried out on consecutive patients undergoing radiation therapy for sarcomas, ear nose and throat, breast, cervix and lung cancers, excluding patients with other tumours and those who stopped radiation treatment, or who died during its course. Variables that were assessed included: average healing time, general progression of the injury, degree of trauma caused by removing the dressing, convenience and comfort, patient's aesthetic perception, ease of use for health professionals, adaptability, and the length of time for which the dressing stays in place. Results: 20 patients were included in the study and radiodermatitis was resolved in 100% (20/20). Optimal progression of all lesions was observed. No infections occurred, and the average total healing time ranged from one to two weeks, even during radiation therapy Patients reported a high level of satisfaction with the dressing, which scored highly in terms of convenience and comfort, atraumatic dressing, ease of use, adaptability, patients' aesthetic perception and adhesive durability. Conclusion: Our action protocol is effective in the prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis. We achieved optimal results in the current study, which supports the continued use of the test dressing in our department. Conflict of interest: None.