Q:
What is radiodermatitis?
A:
Radiodermatitis is a significant side effect of ionizing radiation delivered to the skin in the process of cancer treatment and nuclear attacks. Erythema, dry desquamation, and moist desquamation are all the forms of radiodermatitis.
For now, given the current technology strength, the side effects of radiation therapy still can’t be completely ameliorated.
Symptoms
Within a short period of time, the skin of the patients with the condition may have erythematous rash, desquamation, and necrosis.
Late effects may include pigmentation changes, telangiectasia, photosensitivity, fibrosis, atrophy, and delayed wound healing and other complications of surgery within the radiation treatment field.
Causes
Radiodermatitis has something to do with lots of factors, such as radiation dose, chemotherapy and radiotherapy durations, and the normal tissue sensitivity of individuals.
Treatment
Patients with radiodermatitis should receive good care.
- Check if the radiation dose is correctly used
- Try and discontinue the concomitant medication
- Wash the affected area with gentle, non-soap cleanser
- Keep the towel clean and avoid further irritation
- Use emollients, moisturizers, gels, emulsions and dressing
- Use prescribed topical corticosteroids for 2-4 weeks according to the doctor’s advice
Also, patients with radiodermatitis should avoid:
- Sun exposure
- Use perfumers, deodorants and alcohol-based lotions that can worsen the irritants
- Scratch the affected area
Keywords: radiodermatitis; symptoms; treatment; causes; radiation therapy; Q&A
