Aloe vera Prevents Radiation-Induced Dermatitis among the Black Population

Abstract

Radio-therapy is an integral part of management in oncology and aims at the use of megavoltage dose of ionizing radiation to the target tissue or malignancy for therapeutic purposes, while minimizing the dose to surrounding normal critical tissues. 1,2 Approximately 66-95% of patients diagnosed with cancer will require radiotherapy. 1,2,3 Advances in radiation oncology over the years have significantly improved the prognosis of cancer treatment. 1,2 The ionizing radiation damages the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the cancer cells which impairs cell growth and ultimately leading to cell death. However, normal cells although also damaged by radiation, exhibit the capacity to cell repair. One of the visible and common manifestations of radiation toxicity is radiation-induced dermatitis which may be acute or chronic skin reactions. 4 The skin reactions may be painful and reduces the quality of life of the patient undergoing radiotherapy. 1,2,4 Despite technological advances in the planning and delivery achieved in the field of radiotherapy, most patients still experience side effect of the treatment. 2,3,4 Radiation induced dermatitis varies from slight erythema to ulcer and necrosis and the severity of skin reaction depends on radiation dose, field size and site of target tissue. 4