Effectiveness of skin protectors and calendula officinalis for prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis: an integrative review

Rev Bras Enferm. 2020 Oct 19;73(suppl 5):e20190815. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2019-0815. eCollection 2020.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the effectiveness of skin protectors and Calendula officinalis for prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis.

Method: an integrative review conducted at CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, IBECS, LILACS, and Web of Science. The final sample consisted of five studies, four clinical studies and one preclinical. Critical appreciation and narrative synthesis of the findings were carried out.

Results: the Cavilon™ skin protector was more effective than Sorbolene (cream with 10% glycerin) and less effective than Mometasone Furoate cream. Calendula officinalis was more effective than Trolamine and essential fatty acids and less effective than Ching Wan Hung® for prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis.

Conclusion: data confirm the potential of Calendula officinalis for prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis and point to promising results regarding skin protector use; however, there is a need for further testing as to the effectiveness of such products.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Calendula*
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Radiodermatitis* / drug therapy
  • Radiodermatitis* / prevention & control

Substances

  • Plant Extracts