Chamomile Gel versus Urea Cream to Prevent Acute Radiation Dermatitis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Results from a Preliminary Clinical Trial

Abstract

We assessed safety and potential efficacy of a chamomile gel compared with urea cream to prevent acute radiation dermatitis in head and neck cancer patients. We assessed safety and potential efficacy of the chamomile gel in escalating concentrations of 2.50%, 5.00% and 8.35% of chamomile. Concentration of 8.35% was chosen for a randomized trial comparing chamomile gel (8.35%) with urea cream (n = 24 per group), for potential efficacy to delay or prevent radiation dermatitis in these patients. Preliminary results demonstrate a delayed onset of dermatitis, with onset of Grade 2 dermatitis at 5.1 (1.3) weeks in the chamomile group and 4.5 (1.3) weeks in the urea group (effect size of 0.46). Itching, burning and hyperpigmentation were more frequently reported in the urea group. Results indicates a potential efficacy of the chamomile gel. Further studies are needed to confirm the effect of the chamomile gel in reducing or delaying the occurrence of radiation dermatitis.

Opium poisoning following self‐medication of radiation‐induced dermatitis with topical use of opium latex traditional extract; a teaching case

“… 4 Various topical treatments have been examined in clinical trials, such as aloe Vera gel, hyaluronate creams, Calendula, petrolatum, sucralfate cream, Curcumin gel, Chamomile gel, and dressings; but the results were conflicting in reducing skin symptoms. 7 , 8 , 9 Also, recent publications recommend the use of topical corticosteroids. 7 , 10 Overall, in most institutions, physicians prescribe topical agents, such as Aquaphor, aloe Vera, or silver sulfadiazine after the onset of evident skin alterations.…”

Plant and Herbal Extracts as Ingredients of Topical Agents in the Prevention and Treatment Radiodermatitis: A Systematic Literature Review

“…The study in which the concentration of the active substance was defined before starting the comparative study. [89,90] Cucumber has protective effects against both reactive oxygen species and reactive carbonyl species by free radical scavenging activity.…”

An Insight into Biomolecules for the Treatment of Skin Infectious Diseases

“…Topical chamomile ointments have even been compared to hydrocortisone-containing formulations for their ability to reduce the affected surface area or by improving sodium lauryl sulfate-induced contact dermatitis. Their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory performance has been attributed to the presence of an essential blue oil in their composition, which is formed of sesquiterpene alcohol, α-bisabolol, chamazulene, and flavonoids [ 45 ]. Tannin agents derived from black tea or oak bark have also been suggested as effective in relieving acute weeping, or in soothing inflammation and skin pruritus.…”