Aloe, Chamomile, and Thyme Cream's Effect on Radiation-Induced Skin Irritation

Jenn Hoskins
26th January, 2024

Aloe, Chamomile, and Thyme Cream's Effect on Radiation-Induced Skin Irritation

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Dermatitis can be a rather nagging and pesky condition that afflicts the skin, often resulting from various factors, including but not limited to the aftereffects of treatments like radiotherapy. For those enduring this uncomfortable ailment, traditional pharmacological routes offer relief, albeit frequently at the expense of side effects and potential chronic use. In the light of these drawbacks, the esteemed American Academy of Dermatology suggests an alternative approach: starting off with natural, nutrient-rich and hydrating cosmetic products. Enter Alantel®, a cream crafted with the intention to soothe aggravated skin, dial down redness and irritation, bolster local defenses, slow down the effects aging has on our immune functions, and enhance the repair of epidermal damage. The goal of a recent scientific endeavor was to scrutinize just how effective this cream, packed with potent natural concoctions, could be as both a prophylactic and early-stage treatment for radiation-induced dermatitis, particularly in patients who have been battling breast cancer. How was this examination conducted? Through a diligently designed clinical trial – an experimental, prospective, and triple-blind study – with the participation of 88 breast cancer patients from various centers. These patients, who were all destined to undergo radiotherapy, were divided into two camps: an experimental group and a control group. The former used Alantel® while the latter employed a different moisturizing cream. Specialists in radiotherapy oncology recruited these individuals from a centralized service, reflecting one aspect of thorough control within the experiment. Over the course of treatment and a week following the radiotherapy's conclusion, primary care physicians closely monitored these patients through four distinct visits. The central element under the microscope was the frequency of mild post-radiation dermatitis occurrences. Researchers dove into an analytical deep end, carrying out both simple and complex statistical exercises to churn out credible, thorough findings while taking into account various socio-demographic and clinical variables that could color the results. Admittedly, as with many worldwide endeavors in recent times, this study faced a formidable foe in the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed its initiation. Another point of potential contention is the recruitment of participants, considering the stringent selection criteria and the limited number of centers involved. Despite this challenge, the study persevered with the aim of casting a new light on Alantel®’s place in the dermatitis treatment armor. So, what was the take-home message? Expectations veered towards the possibility that Alantel®—this champion of natural essences—would outperform its counterpart, a regular moisturizer, when it came to warding off and mitigating early symptoms of radiation-related dermatitis in those undergoing the trial by fire that is breast cancer treatment. I must express—purely as a personal viewpoint—that the intersection of natural, simple methods with modern scientific validation is a rather heartening trend. Such efforts aim to merge the best of both worlds, offering relief and perhaps a dash of hope to those who face their treatments with both determination and the longing for gentle, side-effect-free assistance in their journey. This study, officially recognized and recorded in the ClinicalTrials.gov database under the identifier NCT04116151 on October 4th, 2019, was spearheaded by the Epidemiology Service at the Cordoba-Guadalquivir Health District in Cordoba, Spain. Their undertaking not only sheds light on the potential of products like Alantel® but also underscores the dedication to patient-focused research even amidst a global health crisis.

MedicineHealthBiotech

References

Main Study

1) Efficacy of an aloe vera, chamomile, and thyme cosmetic cream for the prophylaxis and treatment of mild dermatitis induced by radiation therapy in breast cancer patients: a controlled clinical trial (Alantel Trials).

Published 25th January, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-024-07901-8


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