This article presents the preliminary findings from an ongoing study that aims to assess a best practice skin guideline for the management of radiotherapyinduced skin reactions. The guideline incorporates the use of a polymeric membrane dressing (PolyMem®, Aspen Medical, Redditch). Currently, researchers are evaluating the benefits of the dressing in relation to exudate control, reduction of inflammation and reduction of pain in 20 patients from a cancer centre (Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Hertfordshire), who are being treated with radiotherapy to the head and neck and have either dry or moist desquamation.