Purpose: Adverse effects (AEs) related to chemotherapy treatment are an ongoing area of concern. Skin reaction is a common AE related to subcutaneous chemotherapy injections. About 77% of patients will have skin reactions during treatment. Lavender oil (lavandula angustifolia) or true lavender has been shown to have a healing effect on skin issues such as the healing of burns and conditions involving skin inflammation, including dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, boils, and wounds. The chemical components of lavender have antiphlogistic, analgesic, and cytophylactic properties. Positive patient outcomes have been documented in a pilot study of the topical application of 3% lavender oil in coconut carrier oil for cutaneous erythema related to subcutaneous chemotherapy injections.
Methods: Patient skin reactions were photo-documented throughout treatment, and logs were kept by each patient to document the home application of lavender. A numerical grading scale was used to evaluate the degree of erythema.
Results: The results were a significant decrease in erythema and self-reported relief of associated burning and paresthesia, which supports the hypothesis that lavender oil potentially is an effective treatment for erythema and paresthesia related to injection reaction.
Conclusions: These findings confirm the feasibility for further research to support the efficacy of treatment with lavender oil. Further studies are needed to establish a standard of practice.