At the time of assessment, the available evidence did not suggest positive effects for any of the treatments evaluated by CAM Cancer for this symptom.

Boswellia   

Efficacy
Only limited trial data are available. One RCT (n=114) found that Boswellia effectively reduced the use of topical corticosteroids and the grade of erythema and the skin's superficial symptoms.

Safety
Generally safe and only associated with minimal adverse effects when used in appropriate dilutions.  
Allergic reactions can occur with all oils. It should not be used undiluted.

Read the full version of the Boswellia summary.

Curcumin

Efficacy
The evidence on the effect of curcumin on radiation dermatitis is contradictory. One RCT (n=30) found curcumin effectively reduces radiation dermatitis severity and moist desquamation. A second RCT (n=686) found that curcumin did not reduce radiation dermatitis. Furthermore, two RCTs (n=50, n=40) found that curcumin delayed onset and decreased the severity of radiation dermatitis; however, the cream was a mixture of curcumin and sandalwood. Hence it is not possible to establish the effect of curcumin alone.

Safety
Curcumin is generally considered safe at doses up to 12g daily for several months. It has been recognized as safe (GRAS) by the United States Food and Drug Administration.  

Read the full version of the Curcumin summary.

Homeopathy

Efficacy
The data about the effect of homeopathy on radiation dermatitis are contradictory. One SR (n=3 RCTs) concluded there was no convincing evidence for the efficacy of homeopathic medicines for radiation dermatitis. A second SR (n=1 RCT related to radiation dermatitis) concluded that the data among the outcomes measured was contradictory, and some of the instruments used were not internationally validated.

Safety
Generally safe, and there are no serious direct risks associated with homeopathy. There are indirect risks if homeopathic preparations are used in place of conventional cancer treatment.

Read the full version of the Homeopathy summary.

Milk thistle

Efficacy
The evidence for the effect of homeopathy on radiation dermatitis is inconclusive because few trial data are available. One RCT (n=40) found delayed onset and slow progression among those treated with silymarin. A CCT (n=51) found that silymarin-based applications prolonged the time to toxicity, but it was a combination product; hence, the results cannot be attributed specifically to silymarin.  

Safety
Generally considered safe. There is insufficient information to assess safety in pregnancy and lactation.

Read the full version of the Milk thistle summary.
 

Aloe Vera

Efficacy
The evidence suggests aloe vera is not effective for radiation dermatitis. One SR (n= 7 RCTs) and two separate RCTs (n=248, n=100) concluded Aloe vera does not have an effect on radiation dermatitis.  One SR with two RCTs found conflicting results, and one additional RCT (n= 60) found a decreased incidence of radiation dermatitis among patients with head and neck cancer.  

Safety
Aloe vera is generally considered safe with only transient and mild adverse events. Oral use during pregnancy is possibly unsafe.

Read the full version of the Aloe vera summary.