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Mild soaps and radiotherapy: a survey of the UK public to identify brands of soap considered mild and analysis of these to ascertain suitability for recommendation in radiotherapy departments

Mild soaps and radiotherapy: a survey of the UK public to identify brands of soap considered mild... ROBERTSON K. & BROWN P. (2011) European Journal of Cancer Care20, 315–321 Mild soaps and radiotherapy: a survey of the UK public to identify brands of soap considered mild and analysis of these to ascertain suitability for recommendation in radiotherapy departments Cancer agencies recommend that patients use mild soap when undergoing external beam radiotherapy to minimise skin reactions. They define ‘mild soap’ as non‐alkaline, lanolin free, unperfumed soap with a neutral pH. This study aimed to identify which soaps the UK public perceive as mild and ascertain if these were clinically mild and could potentially be recommended within radiotherapy departments. A survey of 237 participants identified eight top brands of mild soap, which were then tested for pH and analysed for potential irritants. All soaps were lanolin free and non‐alkaline, with Simple and Johnson's the closest to pH 5.5. All contained fragrances except Simple and E45. Dove, Pears and Imperial Leather contained the highest concentration of fragrances. All soaps except E45 contained potential irritants. Only Simple and E45 fit the cancer agencies' definition of mild soap and could therefore be recommended for radiotherapy patients. Future research should identify current practices and recommendations in the UK as anecdotal evidence suggests large variations in skin care advice. Further scientific analysis could potentially identify cheaper brands that fit the definition of ‘mild’. UK recommendations should be standardised and consistent with best practice to reduce skin reaction severity in radiotherapy patients. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png European Journal of Cancer Care Wiley

Mild soaps and radiotherapy: a survey of the UK public to identify brands of soap considered mild and analysis of these to ascertain suitability for recommendation in radiotherapy departments

ROBERTSON, K.; BROWN, P.
European Journal of Cancer Care , Volume 20 (3) – May 1, 2011
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References (16)

Publisher
Wiley
Copyright
© 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
ISSN
0961-5423
eISSN
1365-2354
DOI
10.1111/j.1365-2354.2010.01181.x
pmid
20477858
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

ROBERTSON K. & BROWN P. (2011) European Journal of Cancer Care20, 315–321 Mild soaps and radiotherapy: a survey of the UK public to identify brands of soap considered mild and analysis of these to ascertain suitability for recommendation in radiotherapy departments Cancer agencies recommend that patients use mild soap when undergoing external beam radiotherapy to minimise skin reactions. They define ‘mild soap’ as non‐alkaline, lanolin free, unperfumed soap with a neutral pH. This study aimed to identify which soaps the UK public perceive as mild and ascertain if these were clinically mild and could potentially be recommended within radiotherapy departments. A survey of 237 participants identified eight top brands of mild soap, which were then tested for pH and analysed for potential irritants. All soaps were lanolin free and non‐alkaline, with Simple and Johnson's the closest to pH 5.5. All contained fragrances except Simple and E45. Dove, Pears and Imperial Leather contained the highest concentration of fragrances. All soaps except E45 contained potential irritants. Only Simple and E45 fit the cancer agencies' definition of mild soap and could therefore be recommended for radiotherapy patients. Future research should identify current practices and recommendations in the UK as anecdotal evidence suggests large variations in skin care advice. Further scientific analysis could potentially identify cheaper brands that fit the definition of ‘mild’. UK recommendations should be standardised and consistent with best practice to reduce skin reaction severity in radiotherapy patients.

Journal

European Journal of Cancer Care – Wiley

Published: May 1, 2011

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