Radiation burn

Radiation Burns

Example of a radiation burn on skin.

Radiation burns are injuries to the skin or other biological tissue caused by exposure to radiation. The sources of radiation can be varied, including X-rays, radium, sunlight (UV radiation), and radiation from atomic or nuclear reactions. Radiation burns are a serious health concern that can result from medical treatments, occupational exposure, accidental exposure, or even prolonged exposure to natural sunlight.

Causes

Radiation burns can be caused by:

• X-ray exposure in medical imaging or therapy
• Exposure to radium or other radioactive materials
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from prolonged sunlight exposure
• Atomic or nuclear radiation from accidents or exposure to radioactive materials
• Other types of radiant energy, including laser and microwave radiation

Symptoms

Symptoms of radiation burns vary depending on the radiation source and exposure duration but can include:

• Redness and irritation of the skin
• Blistering and peeling
• Ulceration in severe cases
• Hair loss at the exposure site
• Fatigue and weakness if systemic exposure occurs

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of radiation burns involves:

• Patient history to determine potential radiation exposure
• Physical examination of the affected area
• Blood tests to assess for radiation sickness in cases of systemic exposure
• Imaging tests to determine underlying tissue damage

Treatment

Treatment for radiation burns depends on the severity of the burn and may include:

• Topical treatments to manage skin symptoms
• Pain management medications
• Antibiotics to prevent or treat infection
• Surgical intervention for severe burns, including skin grafts
• Management of systemic symptoms if radiation sickness has occurred

Prevention

Prevention of radiation burns is critical, especially for individuals in high-risk occupations or undergoing medical treatments involving radiation:

• Use of protective clothing and equipment
• Limiting exposure duration
• Proper shielding of radioactive materials
• Adhering to safety protocols in medical and industrial settings

See Also

• Sunburn
• Radiation therapy
• Radiation sickness
• Skin grafting

External Links

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Acute Radiation Syndrome
• World Health Organization - Radiation in Medicine

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‎ Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Radiation burn for any updates.

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