The Efficacy of Hydrogel Dressings in Management and Prevention of Radiation Dermatitis: A Comparative Review.

Abstract

Radiation dermatitis (RD) is one of the most common adverse effects of radiotherapy and significantly impacts patient comfort, quality of life, and treatment adherence. Effective supportive care strategies are therefore essential to preserve skin integrity and prevent treatment interruption. Among available wound care options, hydrogel dressings have emerged as promising biomaterials due to their ability to maintain a moist environment, reduce transepidermal water loss, provide cooling relief, and enable atraumatic removal. This review aims to critically evaluate the role of hydrogel dressings in the management of RD by integrating current understanding of RD pathophysiology with advances in hydrogel design. The manuscript adopts a stage-oriented approach, aligning natural, synthetic, and hybrid hydrogel systems with the evolving biological characteristics of irradiated skin. Comparative performance with conventional wound care materials and emerging innovations including bioactive, stimuli-responsive, and multifunctional hydrogel platforms are also discussed. Although hydrogels demonstrate significant short-term benefits in symptom control and wound healing, limitations such as mechanical constraints, cost considerations, and limited long-term clinical evidence remain. Future research should prioritize well-designed randomized trials, standardized outcome measures, and personalized guideline-aligned application strategies to optimize their clinical integration. Hydrogel dressings represent a promising therapeutic platform in RD management, with potential to advance precision supportive oncology care.