INDIVIDUAL SKIN CARE DURING RADIATION-THERAPY

Background: In many clinical settings, the irradiated patient feels ad ditional discomfort by the inhibition of washing the treatment portals and interruption of his adapted skin care habits. Material and Method s: An analysis of the scientific recommendations as well as an analysi s of the skin dose to the irradiated portals has been performed. An in dividual scheme for skin care under radiation has been developed. Resu lts: A substantial decrease of the skin dose is achieved in many moder n radiation techniques. The consequent reduction of severe skin reacti ons allowed the use of water and mild soaps as has been approved withi n many radiotherapy departments. This has lead to an individualized co ncept for skin care under radiation treatment including the allowance of gentle washing. The skin marks may be saved by using highly tolerab le adhesive plasters or small tattoo points, if they are not superfluo us by using masks or single referee points instead of marks for the fi eld borders, Conclusions: The individualized concept for skin care dur ing radiation may offer improved life quality to the patient and may d ecrease the acute reactions of the skin at least in some cases.