Dados do Trabalho

Título

Use of chamomile tea to treat dry desquamation in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy

Introdução

Radiation dermatitis is a common skin reaction resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation. It can manifest as erythema, dry desquamation, moist desquamation, ulceration, and necrosis. Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) has been used as anti-inflammatory, healing, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hemostatic, and skin irritation.

Objetivo

To evaluate the effect of using a chamomile tea to treat dry desquamation in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Método

Prospective intervention study, carried out from May 2019 to April 2021. Forty-three head and neck cancer patients aged 18 years or over with dry desquamation in the irradiated area during radiotherapy were included. Participants applied chamomile tea compress three times a day. The regression of dry desquamation until the end of radiotherapy was evaluated as total regression, partial regression, or no regression.

Resultados

All participants showed regression of dry desquamation, and 62.8% (IC 47,7 – 76,1) had total regression of dry desquamation until the end of radiotherapy. With the regression of dry desquamation, there was also an improvement in the appearance of the skin.

Conclusão

The use of chamomile tea compress resulted in regression of dry desquamation in all participants.

Palavras-chave

Radiation dermatitis; Head and neck neoplasms; Chamomile.