What is Radiaiton Dermatitis?
The term “dermatitis” is used in dermatology to refer to inflammation of the skin. “Derma” means skin, and “itis” means inflammation. In general, when inflammation occurs in the skin it causes warmth, redness, swelling, itching, and sometimes pain.
What is radiation dermatitis?
The term “dermatitis” is used in dermatology to refer to inflammation of the skin. “Derma” means skin, and “itis” means inflammation. In general, when inflammation occurs in the skin it causes warmth, redness, swelling, itching, and sometimes pain.
“Radiation Dermatitis” refers to a unique type of inflammatory process in the skin due to the effects of radiation.
It typically follows a specific timeline with predictable skin changes known as either “dry desquamation” or “moist desquamation.” Desquamation means the peeling or shedding of the outermost layer of the skin.
Dry desquamation
Moist desquamation
95% of patients undergoing radiation treatments will experience dry desquamation, which can feel like a sunburn (red, dry itchy, tender, scaly skin).
Approximately 25%-35% of patients will progress to experience some degree of “moist desquamation” (red, painful, moist, sloughing skin). Some of these patients may develop extensive moist desquamation or even ulcerations of the skin, which may result in interruptions in therapy. Interruptions in therapy may interfere with your results.
Your Treatment Timeline
It's essential to start early and stay on track
Each radiation treatment damages your skin, breaking down your skin barrier. Don’t wait until significant damage has occurred to take action.
It’s best to start your radiation cream 1–2 weeks prior to your radiation treatments, and continue at least twice daily until all signs of radiation dermatitis have resolved.
Remember, the majority of patients will develop radiation dermatitis. The goal is to control and minimize radiation dermatitis in order to avoid any interruption in treatment that could compromise results.
“Radiation Dermatitis” refers to a unique type of inflammatory process in the skin due to the effects of radiation. In general it follows a specific timeline with predictable skin changes referred to as either “dry desquamation” or “moist desquamation.”
Desquamation means peeling or shedding of the outer layer of the skin.
Dry Desquamation
Moist Desquamation
95% of patients undergoing radiation treatments will experience dry desquamation, which can feel like a sunburn (red, dry itchy, tender, scaly skin).
Approximately 25%-35% of patients will progress to experience some degree of “moist desquamation” (red, painful, moist, sloughing skin). Some of these patients may develop extensive moist desquamation or even ulcerations of the skin, which may result in interruptions of therapy. Interruptions in therapy may compromise results.
Your Treatment Timeline
It's essential to start early and stay on track
Each radiation treatment damages your skin, breaking down your skin barrier. Don’t wait until significant damage has occurred to take action.
It’s best to start your radiation cream 1–2 weeks prior to your radiation treatments, and continue at least twice daily until all signs of radiation dermatitis have resolved.
Remember, the majority of patients will develop radiation dermatitis. The goal is to control and minimize radiation dermatitis in order to avoid any interruption in treatment that could compromise results.
