Radiation burn

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(Redirected from Radiodermatitis)

Radiation Burns[edit | edit source]

Example of Radiation Burn
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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

Radiation burn Resources

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Resources[edit source]

Latest articles - Radiation burn

PubMed
Clinical trials

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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