Jensen, J.M., Gau, T., Schultze, J., Lemmnitz, G., Folster-Holst, R., May, T., . . . Proksch, E. (2011). Treatment of acute radiodermatitis with an oil-in-water emulsion following radiation therapy for breast cancer: A controlled, randomized trial. Strahlentherapie Und Onkologie, 187(6), 378–384.
To test the hypothesis that treatment with an oil-in-water emulsion (WO1932) leads to more rapid skin hydration, improves skin barrier function, and reduces pruritus in patients after radiation therapy
Patients were randomized to a treatment group or control group. In the treatment group, the oil-in-water emulsion was applied twice a day over six to eight weeks, starting after radiation therapy was completed. Sauna, swimming, and use of any other skin care product were not allowed. Clinical assessment was done after week one and at the end of the study.
Pruritus decreased in all patients but more in the treatment group in weeks one, two, three, and five (p < .04). There was no significant difference between groups in skin scores overall. There was no difference between groups in transepidermal water loss.
This study does not provide strong evidence in favor of the oil-in-water emulsion tested here. Findings suggest the emulsion was helpful in reducing pruritus compared to no treatment at all.
This study does not provide strong evidence for evaluation of effectiveness of the oil-in-water emulsion tested here.