Cutaneous reactions to oncological therapies


Modern radiation treatments, as well as chemotherapy and biological drugs, can have side effects on the skin.

The effects are manifested by symptoms such as dryness, erythema, de-epithelialization (ie loss of the superficial layer of the skin), often accompanied by itching. In these cases, the barrier function of the stratum corneum is altered and, consequently, the skin is exposed to a greater risk of incurring fungal and/or bacterial infections. They can have different levels of intensity, even appearing a few weeks after the start of treatment.

In cases of acute skin reactions it may be necessary to suspend the treatment, with the risk of reducing its effectiveness.

Side effects also affect the mucous membranes exposed to oncological therapy.

In patients with oncological problems of the genital tract, the damage to the mucous membranes often occurs before that to the skin, and manifests itself with erythema, edema, de-epithelialization, changes in physiological pH, reactions that often cause infections and pain.

Cutaneous reactions to oncological therapies: role of clothing

The quality of the fabrics we wear is essential for the well-being of our skin. In particular in the presence of skin irritations it is very important to pay attention to the type of clothing that is worn in contact with the skin. Wool and acrylic clothing is not recommended because it is very irritating. Even clothing in polyester or polyamide microfibre should be avoided because they are not very breathable and have a reduced hygroscopic capacity (ie they do not readily absorb the humidity produced by our body). Furthermore, they cause sweating and favor the growth of fungi and bacteria, facilitating the onset of infections. For the same reasons, attention should also be paid to the quality of fabrics for underwear (briefs and bras). Finally, it must be remembered that irritations worsen in areas of the body where there are folds (groin, armpits, skin furrows) or particularly subject to rubbing (neck).

DERMASILK clothing

Clinical studies demonstrate that DERMASILK therapeutic clothing protects the skin from the acute effects of radiotherapy; reduces the severity of the inflammatory process; avoid superinfections; accelerates tissue regeneration.

Clinical studies by doctors specialized in radiotherapy and dermatology certify the efficacy of DERMASILK in patients with skin reactions due to oncological therapies:

  • "Effectiveness and tolerability of a 100% silk therapeutic clothing line (Dermasilk®) in patients undergoing chemotherapy" (Fabbrocini G, Panariello L, Russo G et al. Esperienze Dermatologiche 2015; 17(3):123-7).
  • "Evaluation of the efficacy of medicated silk for topical use in acute local reactions in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy" (Mirri MA, Ciabattoni A, Ciccone V et al. Poster presentation at the XXIII Congress of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy Oncology, Giardini Naxos-Taormina 2013).
  • "Antimicrobial silk clothing as an adjuvant tool in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced skin reactions" (Fabbrocini G, Panariello L, Caro G et al. Poster presentation 22° Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Istanbul 2013).
  • "Why recommend DermaSilk® garments to patients undergoing radiotherapy?" (Endorsement by doctors MA Mirri, A Ciabattoni - UOC Radiotherapy San Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome).
  • "Skin toxicity in patients undergoing external radiotherapy for breast cancer: comparison between medicated silk fibroin and galenic cream". MG Cesaro, D Carrer, A Mazzucco, A Gava, MG Tonetto - Oncological Radiotherapy Treviso Hospital

The information on this site cannot in any way replace the diagnosis, care and treatment by the doctor.