Pharmacy employees
Pharmacy employees
Nearly 50% of patients followed for cancer are treated, at some point, by radiotherapy. Moreover, depending on the organs treated and the techniques used, up to 90% of patients may develop acute radiodermatitis. The pharmacist, therefore, has a key role to play in supporting and monitoring these patients.¹²
What is Radiodermatitis?
Radiodermatitis refers to all lesions affecting the skin after exposure to ionizing radiation³. There are measures available to prevent and treat skin reactions caused by radiotherapy.
The 5 grades of dermatitis radiation4
There are 5 grades of dermatitis, from simple, discreet, and painless erythema, to skin necrosis, which is rare.
The first manifestations occur most often after at least two weeks of treatment, i.e. at least 20 grays received.1
Grade 1
Faint erythema or dry desquamation
Grade 2
Moderate to brisk erythema; patchy moist desquamation, mostly confined to skin folds and creases; moderate edema.
Grade 3
Moist desquamation in areas other than skin folds and creases; bleeding induced by minor trauma or abrasion
Grade 4
Life-threatening consequences; skin necrosis or ulceration of full thickness dermis; spontaneous bleeding from the involved site; skin graft indicated
Grade 5
Death
Prevention & duration
Prevention and patient information are key. Skin reactions of acute dermatitis generally occur during the latter half of radiotherapy and tend to gradually disappear after treatment ends¹, 2.
Regular skin care assessment and close collaboration between radiation oncologists and dermatologists to manage skin reactions early and throughout treatment have been repeatedly suggested to improve patient comfort, enhance the quality of life, and improve clinical outcomes.2
Grade 1
Follow local hygiene routine
If needed:
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Emollient cream
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Topical corticotherapy
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Protective hydrogel, hydro balance hydro cellular dressing
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Avoid “Tulle gras” dressing
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Low-energy laser (currently under evaluation)
Grade 2
Continue local hygiene routine
If needed:
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Emollient cream
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Healing cream, acid hyaluronic cream
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Topical corticosteroid
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Drying lotion
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Absorbent, non-adhesive, protective dressing (hydrogel, hydro cellular, hydro balance)
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Expose to fresh air as much as possible
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Avoid antibacterial application
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Low-energy laser (currently under evaluation)
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Clean the wound with physiological serum
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Tulle Gras dressing 1 or 2 times a day
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Nonadhesive, absorbent dressing, hydro absorbent, hydro cellular
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Alginate dressing if bleeding
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Hydrofiber dressing if abundant exudate
Recommended treatment
 Thermal Spring Water |  Cicalfate+ Restorative protective cream |
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