Understanding Radiation Dermatitis in Patients Undergoing Therapy

Radiation helps diagnose and treat diseases, but on the other hand, it causes various damages to the human body depending on the degree of exposure.

Radiation dermatitis is one of the most common injuries.

More than 90% of radiation therapy patients experience skin damage.

Radiation stops cell mitosis, which is essential for maintaining living tissue, and at this time, it also temporarily contains normal skin cell division, resulting in delayed growth or cell damage.

■Chronic has a long incubation period, so patients must be more careful.

Radiation dermatitis is divided into acute radiation dermatitis, which occurs within 24 hours, and chronic radiation dermatitis, which occurs months or years later.

Acute radiation dermatitis can emerge within a few days when a single dose of radiation is greater than 2 grays (2~8gray).

Chronic radiation dermatitis occurs several months or years later in patients with a cumulative radiation dose of 10g or more and requires more attention as the incubation period is extended.

The area treated with radiation and the patient's underlying disease also counts.

Professor Joo Min-Sook of the Dermatology Department of Hanyang University Hospital declared, "The risk of occurrence is high in patients exposed to radiation on the front of the neck, extremities, breast, face, scalp, etc. And not only the ones who have obesity, smoke, but also the elderly and women also show a high chance." She explained, "patients with scleroderma, peripheral vascular disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, or specific chemotherapy and radiation therapy simultaneously are also at high risk."

Professor Kim Dae-Hyun of the Department of Dermatology at Korea University Anam Hospital stated, "Although rare, there have been reports of radiation dermatitis occurring months or years after receiving radioscopic examinations such as coronary angiography." "If skin ulcers occur after several interventions using radioscopy, it is better to suspect chronic radiation dermatitis and seek treatment," he added.

■ Various symptoms are possible, such as blisters, edema, and pigmentation.

In acute radiation dermatitis, the skin becomes red within 24 hours after radiation therapy. Soon there may be blisters, swelling, and ulcers along with pain.

It may appear several weeks after the start of treatment, but in severe cases, epidermal peeling may occur.

On the other hand, in chronic radiation dermatitis, there are no noticeable changes right away.

However, after several months or years, small blood vessels may be enlarged, pigmentation, hardening of the skin, or ulcers may occur in the area of ​​radiation examination or treatment.

As the skin dries out, it becomes thin and lustrous.

■ Chronic cancer risk should be regarded.

Acute radiation dermatitis is treated with topical steroids and emollients, and dressings are applied to prevent secondary infection if there is any exudate.

Acute radiation dermatitis usually resolves within a few weeks with continued treatment.

Professor Joo Min-Sook emphasized, "Chronic radiation dermatitis with a long incubation period should also consider the possibility of cancer."

If the symptoms are severe enough to cause an ulcer, it is reasonable to discuss the discontinuation of radiation therapy with the medical staff in charge.

■ Be careful of ultraviolet rays, rapid temperature changes, etc.

Risk factors must be thoroughly managed in daily life.

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, sudden changes in body temperature, and products containing fragrances and alcohol exacerbate radiation dermatitis.

Wear loose-fitting clothing that is not too tight, and apply a moisturizer regularly to restore the skin barrier and relieve dryness and dead skin cells.

Professor Kim Dae-Hyun advised, "In particular, chronic radiation dermatitis can easily cause ulcers due to a decrease in skin recovery ability, so care must be taken to minimize skin irritation."