Use of Chamomile Infusion to Mitigate Radiotherapy-Induced Dry Desquamation in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of using a compress with Chamomilla recutita infusion in the regression of dry desquamation and in the prevention of moist desquamation in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

METHODS

A prospective intervention study was carried out from May 2019 to May 2021. In total, 43 participants were included, who were instructed to apply the compress with the infusion 3 times a day, after occurrence of dry desquamation. Skin evaluation took place daily from initiation of the intervention up to the end of radiotherapy.

RESULTS

All the participants presented dry desquamation regression, where 65.1% (95% CI 50.1-78.1) had total regression until the end of radiotherapy, with a mean of 9 days of regression. Only 34.9% (95% CI 21.8-49.9) of the participants developed moist desquamation by the end of the radiotherapy sessions, with a mean accumulated dose of ionizing radiation of 50.9 Gy.

CONCLUSION

This study highlighted the potential clinical benefits of using Chamomilla recutita in the regression of dry desquamation and in the prevention of moist desquamation.