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

Integr Cancer Ther. 2022 Jan-Dec;21:15347354221105491. doi: 10.1177/15347354221105491.

ABSTRACT

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.

PMID:35880354 | PMC:PMC9421214 | DOI:10.1177/15347354221105491