StrataXRT for the Prevention and Treatment of Radiation Dermatitis in Breast Cancer or Head and Neck Cancer Patients

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: I. Compare efficacy of silicone-based film forming topical gel (StrataXRT) versus (vs.) standard of care skin maintenance. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: I. Evaluate overall effectiveness of StrataXRT. II. Evaluate post-radiation therapy (RT) recovery time for StrataXRT compared to standard of care. EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVES: I. To assess patient reported outcomes. II. Evaluate cost of StrataXRT for management of radiation dermatitis compared to standard of care skin maintenance. III. Evaluate the reduction in RT interruption/extension of overall duration of receiving RT based on the reduced skin toxicity. OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 arms. ARM I: Patients apply StrataXRT topically to the affected area once or twice daily starting from the first dose of radiation therapy until dermatitis has returned to grade =\< 1. ARM II: Patients receive standard of care including calendula and/or petrolatum-mineral oil-lanolin-ceresin ointment (Aquaphor) applied 2-6 times daily plus hydrogel or silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) or topical corticosteroids applied twice daily starting from the first dose of radiation therapy until dermatitis has returned to grade =\< 1. After completion of study, patients are followed up at 6 days and 3 weeks post-RT.