The assesment of radiation induced skin reactions with the RISRAS scale

Introduction. Radiation induced skin reactions are the most common side effects of radiotherapy and are of concern to healthcare professionals.

Aim of the study. The aim of this study is to assess the radiation-induced skin reactions using as a tool newly developed scale

Material and methods. The 83 patients were enrolled to this study, including 75% women. Each patient received radiotherapy and every
week during the treatment a doctor and nurse assessed the skin reaction using the RISRAS tool and RTOG scale. The data was collected and
analyzed by useing the Statistica program. The dependence between intensity of skin reaction and time was drawn. Also the correlation
between the value of RISRAS tool and risk factors of radiation-induced skin reactions was evaluated.

Results. Skin erythema occurred after 2 weeks of radiotherapy and the intensity was higher after 4 weeks. Dry and moist desquamation was
observed after 4 weeks. Occuring symptoms as pain, itching, burning were related with intensity of signs of a skin. We also observed the
correlation between the value of RISRAS tool and RTOG scale (R = 0,787126, p < 0,05) and also the sex (R = 0.339730, p < 0.05), the bra size
(R = 0.254622, p < 0.05).

Conclusions. The specific knowledge gained by the use of the RISRAS could enhance the nurses ability to provide efficient and effective
nursing care.