Observation of the Therapeutic Effect of Hydrogel Combined with Alginate Dressings for a Patient with Grade 4 Acute Radiation Dermatitis: A Case Report

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this case report, the authors summarize their experience of using hydrogel combined with alginate dressings in the wound care of a patient with grade 4 acute radiation dermatitis. With the combination of hydrogel and alginate dressings, the authors achieved autolytic debridement of the wound and created a moist healing environment to facilitate wound closure. Hydrogel helps the dressing adhere better to the wound bed, ensuring that it does not easily detach during the wound healing process. It also eliminates the need for traditional adhesive tapes for fixation, thus avoiding damage to the fragile skin in the radiation field. The wound gradually decreased in size from an area of 10 × 12 cm, and exudate decreased continuously. The wound completely healed in 20 days with a total of 17 dressing changes. As the wound gradually healed, the patient’s psychological burden decreased and comfort level increased. The patient expressed satisfaction and hope for the gradual healing of the wound. Thus, the treatment of severe acute radiation dermatitis with hydrogel combined with alginate dressings yields remarkable results, aligning the noninvasive, low-adhesive, absorbent, conformable, and comfortable attributes of optimized wound care. This experience provides a practical foundation for wound management in acute radiation dermatitis and supports clinical application and promotion of the approach.