Hydrophillic Foam Dressing
Hydrophillic foam dressing is self-adhering and has a silicone absorbant foam layer bonded to a polyurethane or similar type of backing. The dressing differs from hydrocolloid dressings in that the hydrophyllic foam dressing does not contain chemicals that turn into a gel over time and the foam layer may provide some protection of the site.
Hydrocolloid and Hydrogel Dressings
Hydrocolloid dressings are wound dressings that are occlusive and adhesive and can form a gel with water. Hydrogel dressings have similar properties in a gel consistency. Various hydrocolloid gels and dressings have been used in wound management to maintain moisture and aid in debridement of necrotic tissue. These dressings have been evaluated in patients with cancer for management of radiodermatitis with moist desquamation and in patients with cutaneous toxicities.
Hyaluronic Acid/Sodium Hyaluronate
Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronate, is a carbohydrate substance that is present in connective, epithelial, and neural tissues and is a major component of the intracellular matrix. Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of the same substance. Hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate has been used in patients with cancer as an oral spray for treatment of mucositis and as a topical treatment for radiodermatitis.
Humidification
A humidifier increases the amount of moisture in the air in a room or a building. Air that is too dry may dry out mucous membranes and cause these tissues to be irritated. Personal humidifiers, worn at night, have been investigated in patients with cancer treatment-related mucositis as a way to promote the healing of mucus membranes.
Human Leukemia Inhibitory Factor
Human leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is an interleukin class cytokine that inhibits cell differentiation. Recombinant human LIF was evaluated for its effect on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with cancer.
Human Intestinal Trefoil Factor
Intestinal trefoil factor is a peptide that is found in mucosal goblet cells and plays a role in mucosal defense and repair. Topical use of recombinant human intestinal trefoil factor was evaluated for its effect in patients with cancer for the prevention and management of mucositis.
Honey Impregnated Gauze
Honey is a carbohydrate compound made by bees. Most microorganisms do not grow in honey because of its osmotic pressure, and its use has been examined for local application to affect wound healing. Honey has been examined in patients with cancer for management of mucositis as an oral application and in radiodermatitis in a dressing application. Various formulations of medical grade honey have been used.
Honey
Honey is a carbohydrate compound made by bees. Most microorganisms do not grow in honey because of its osmotic pressure, and its local application has been examined for its effects on wound healing. Honey has been examined in patients with cancer for the management of mucositis as an oral rinse and for radiodermatitis as a dressing. Various formulations of medical and nonmedical grade honey have been used.
Homeopathy
The alternative medical system of homeopathy was developed in Germany at the end of the 18th century. Supporters of homeopathy point to two unconventional theories: “like cures like”—the notion that a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy people; and “law of minimum dose”—the notion that the lower the dose of the medication, the greater its effectiveness. Homeopathic remedies generally involve pills or elixirs containing an active ingredient, usually a plant or mineral substance.
High Flow Oxygen
High flow oxygen consists of a blend of air and oxygen that flows through a humidifier and a heated circuit and is subsequently delivered via nasal cannula. High flow oxygen has been tested as a possible intervention to treat dyspnea in hospitalized patients who have cancer.