How to treat erythema?
Local management of erythema remains a matter of discussion, controversies and studies. The first (transient) early phase usually does not require any treatment, and frequently subsides before any therapy can be started. The second erythema phase (if correctly recognized) usually triggers some prescriptions. One of the most popular therapies is aloe vera, given in lotion or ointment. Although it has not been proven very effective in radiotherapy induced erythema, and not superior to other ointments or creams through several trials, it remains largely prescribed. Biafin cream is also largely prescribed, particularly by the radiotherapy community. However, here again, there is no randomized trial supporting its use, which is actually questioned by some authors. Trolamin has been tested in several trials; there was no advantage for its use in a series of 547 patients irradiated for cancers of the head and neck [Elliott, JSO 2006]. One trial showed a superiority over Biafin, but another sh
