Press
Patients Who Used Calendula Experience Fewer Skin Reactions from Radiation
How Do You Protect Skin Reactions?
BOSTON, Mass. January 10th, 2012 – As many as 95% of cancer patients receiving radiation therapy will experience some degree of skin reactions. Breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy often suffer from dry, peeling, itching and burning skin. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can leave the patient vulnerable to infection and in severe cases, unable to go to work or delay treatment. Radiation oncology nurses are often the point person on an oncology team that educates a patient undergoing radiation on how to manage the skin and potentially avoid adverse skin reactions that can interfere with treatment and their quality of life during radiation therapy. However, there has been insufficient evidence about topical agents that protect radiated skin. In 2011, the Oncology Nursing Society published a resource on Radiodermatitis and skin reactions based on the Society’s nursing-sensitive patient outcomes and evidence-based practice (EBP) work. In the second volume of Putting Evidence Into Practice: Improving Oncology Patient Outcomes, they summarize findings on topical agents and report that patients who used calendula experienced fewer skin reactions and needed less frequent radiation treatment interruption to manage skin-related side effects. In addition, topical agents such as Tromaline, Biafine® and Aloe Vera, often recommended to breast cancer patients undergoing radiation, have been found to be not as effective as calendula. Tips and techniques for managing skin reactions are summarized in their patient Information sheet and a full discussion of the evidence-based oncology nursing interventions in the clinical setting are found on their website under Radiodermatitis .
Calendula, extracted from the flower of the marigold plant, contains high amounts of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that protect the body against cell-damaging free radicals. It appears to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects, as well as healing properties. The healing properties are believed to be as a result of increased blood flow to the affected area. Preliminary data support use of topical calendula for prophylaxis of acute dermatitis during radiation therapy in cancer patients, however more research is needed. “A well-defined and organized study focused on skin maintenance using calendula on radiated skin may produce more conclusive results and help patients enjoy a better quality of life during treatment” commented Theresa Keresztes, a breast cancer survivor and founder of My Girls Cream, a fragrance and dye-free calendula cream sampled by radiation oncology nurses at more than forty radiation treatment centers in the United States. Patients and nurses like My Girls Cream because it spreads easily over delicate skin, is less expensive per ounce than other calendula creams and contains honey, known for help with healing scar tissue and rosemary for help with controlling inflammation, often side-effects of treatment. In some treatment centers, radiation oncology nurses have recommended calendula as a choice for head and neck cancer patients whom also may experience skin discomfort during radiation. A list of contraindications and adverse reactions to calendula can be found here on the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website and it is recommended that patients undergoing radiation therapy always consult their healthcare provider before trying a new topical agent to treat radiated skin or adding other interventions into their routine.
About My Girls Cream
My Girls Cream samples are available for radiation treatment sites that request them for their patients, oncology boutiques and retailers such as CarePlus CVS/pharmacies, Fagen Pharmacy www.shopfagen.com, Wilkinson Pharmacy www.wilkinsonpharmacy.com, and mastectomy fitters like Lady Grace. My Girls Cream is formulated in Hungary and distributed by Radiant Sun, a company launched in 2008 by a breast cancer survivor to help others maintain the healthy appearance of their skin during and after treatment for cancer.
For additional information on the release, please contact Radiant Sun at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit http://www.mygirlscream.com/. 508-380-9300. Twitter.com/#MyGirls1 and Facebook/mygirlscream
###
Source:
Putting Evidence Into Practice: Improving Oncology Patient Outcomes, Volume 2, by L.H. Eaton, J.M. Tipton, & M. Irwin (Eds.), Oncology Nursing Society, 2011 http://www.thecancerjourney.org/side/se-20/media/thecancerjourney/docs/skin-radiation.pdf
Evidence-based skin care management in radiation therapy: clinical update http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21514477
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center - About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/calendula
My Girls™ Skin Care is Available at Oncology Boutiques, Post-Surgery Specialty Retailers, & Pharmacies
Calendula-based Creamy Texture Spreads Easily Over Compromised Skin
BOSTON, Mass. – October, 2011 – Breast cancer patients looking for a cream to spread easily over skin that may have become compromised or burned as a result of radiation therapy can purchase My Girls Cream, (formerly known as My Girl’s Radiation Cream) via www.mygirlscream.com and 20% of their online purchase during the month of October will be donated to women who are in need of access to screenings and breast cancer treatment programs yet are underserved and/or lack insurance.
My Girls™ Cream has won praise from patients undergoing radiation therapy and radiation oncology nurses whom sample the cream as it fills a void for those seeking a cream that spreads easily over skin and absorbs quickly. “This cream was a miracle cream for me. It has the consistency of whipped cream and spreads easily over the breast.” said Maggie Caraco, breast cancer survivor and user of My Girls Cream.
Many people complain that creams stain clothing but My Girls Cream is non-greasy, non-staining and is fragrance and dye free. “Patients who use My Girls Cream help spread the word to friends, relatives, and other patients they meet at their radiation oncology facilities. We get many referrals from patients and many jars are purchased as gifts from people who have been through treatment and wish to introduce new patients to the benefits of the cream." said Margot Malin, President of www.lotstolivefor.com
”We are excited to carry My Girls Cream because we’ve received multiple requests for it from our clients who are breast cancer patients. It’s a natural fit with our mission to provide the very best service to our customers,” said Geralee Richardson, Lady Grace Stores.
“Having My Girls Cream available at retailers located nearby sampling hospitals and radiation centers is a great convenience for cancer patients who can pick up their medications and also find an over-the-counter cream that helps maintain the healthy appearance of their skin after radiation treatments” said Linda Griffith, a breast cancer survivor, My Girls fan, and new Vice President of Customer Care for My Girls™ Skin Care.
My Girls Cream is sold at oncology boutiques such as Mass General Hospital’s Images Boutique, post-surgery specialty retailers such as Lady Grace, and online via Wilkinson Pharmacy and Lots To Live For, Inc. In addition, McKesson Pharmaceutical, a supplier to major retailers, will make the cream available to their retailers such as Fagen Pharmacy whose customers requested it.
Follow us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/#!MyGirls1
Friend My Girls Skin Care @ http://www.facebook.com
Contact: Theresa Keresztes, 508-380-9300, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.mygirlscream.com
