Study: Aesthetic/dermocosmetic care during cancer treatment

Demonstrable improvement in psychological well-being, body image and quality of life.

Why skin care is key

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy often cause skin toxicity (dryness, itching, rashes, pigmentation changes). Up to 85% of women will experience moderate to severe skin reactions during radiotherapy. These changes also negatively affect self-esteem and psyche.

What the study showed (Italy, ASST Bergamo Est)

61 women with breast cancer, 2 arms: specific dermocosmetics (EG) vs. conventional/non-specific (CG); measurements at time T0 / T1 (7 days) / T2 (28 days) using Skindex-16, Body Image Scale (BIS) and WHOQOL-BREF.

Key results for patients using Oncos specific dermocosmetics

• Less skin problems (Skindex-16)
  EG (chemo): 3.32 → 1.57 by day 28; EG (radio): 3.35 → 1.98–2.37. (Lower = better.)
• Better body image (BIS)
  EG (chemo): 19.5 → 12.4; EG (radio): 22.5 → 13.9 by day 28. (Lower = better.)
• Better quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF – physical health)
  EG (chemo): 3.30 → 3.90; EG (radio): 3.16 → 3.76. (Higher = better.)
• The control groups did not show significant improvement. The effect begins to appear after 7 days, the most pronounced after 28 days.
  What does this mean in practice

Daily use of targeted dermocosmetics reduces itching, burning and pain, improves emotions and social functioning and can support adherence to treatment. Collaboration between a dermatologist and an oncologist is recommended.

How to start – a simple care ritual

1. Gentle cleansing without perfume
2. Intensive hydration/barrier protection (xerosis, itching)
3. Targeted SOS products for chemo/radio-related problems
4. Sun protection
5. Regularity min. 28 days. (Choose products developed for secondary skin effects of oncological treatment)

Methodology & transparency

Monocentric observational study, 30 women EG / 31 women CG; T0/T1/T2 assessment; validated scales with good internal consistency. The results are robust, but the sample is smaller and part of the data is self-report