Macmillan, M.S., Wells, M., MacBride, S., Raab, G.M., Munro, A., & MacDougall, H. (2007). Randomized comparison of dry dressings versus hydrogel in management of radiation induced moist desquamation. International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, 68, 864–872.
To evaluate the effect of a hydrogel or dry dressing on the time to healing of moist desquamation after radiation therapy
Participants were randomly assigned to either dry dressing or no dressing (Tricotex) or hydrogel (intrasite) dispenser at the beginning of radiation therapy. Patients received the same instruction of skin care and were provided with simple soap. Patients were instructed to use their dressing from the onset of moist desquamation, if it occurred.
The study took place at multiple sites in Scotland.
The study used a randomized controlled trial design.
The study does not support the routine use of hydrogel in the care of patients with moist desquamation and suggests that the healing times are prolonged, without any improvement in patient comfort.