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What is a Radiation Burn?

Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee

Radiation burn, also known as radiation dermatitis, is a skin reaction that can occur as a side effect of radiation therapy for cancer. Skin damage from radiation can range from mild to severe. In many cases, it is limited to redness, swelling, and pain akin to that of a sunburn. In more severe cases, skin can begin to blister and peel, and some patients have even reported blackening and flaking of the burn area. Treatment for radiation burn generally involves medicated topical creams, antibiotics, painkillers and cold compresses, though tissue that has been badly damaged by radiation may need to be debrided to prevent infection and speed recovery.

Skin problems are considered common during radiation therapy, since skin is believed to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of radiation. This therapy is typically used to direct doses of radiation to internal cancers, but it is usually directed externally through the skin. The effects of radiation burn usually begin within the first two or three weeks of radiation therapy. Radiation burns sometimes worsen as treatment continues, but they often remain in a stable condition after the first few weeks. Once treatment is discontinued, radiation burns may heal within a few weeks, though they usually require some form of medical intervention.

Topical creams and antibiotics are usually part of the treatment for radiation burns.
Topical creams and antibiotics are usually part of the treatment for radiation burns.

A mild radiation burn is said to look and feel like a sunburn. The skin generally becomes faintly reddened, although in some patients, it can take on a darker brown color. As skin damage progresses, the radiation burn may become more inflamed and more painful. Swelling can sometimes be significant. Hair loss can occur in the treatment area as well.

Severe radiation dermatitis may cause blistering and peeling of the skin. In the worst cases, skin may blacken before flaking off. Blistering and peeling are considered more likely in areas where skin folds occur, such as beneath the breasts. Radiation burn in these areas can cause open wounds and sores that may be likely to get infected.

A mild radiation burn may have the same look and feel as a sunburn.
A mild radiation burn may have the same look and feel as a sunburn.

Topical ointments and creams are often prescribed to treat radiation burns, and cold compresses can be applied to relieve the pain of radiation burns. Painkillers may be prescribed when the pain is severe. If severe skin damage occurs during radiation therapy, the area may be debrided to remove any dead tissue. Removing dead tissue from the burn area usually decreases the risk of serious infection and can support rapid healing.

Discussion Comments

Rotergirl

@Pippinwhite -- Wow. That's sad about your cousin. Glad she made it through the procedures!

I know my friend's doctor recommended she stock up on aloe vera gel and he said she needed to apply it after every treatment. She said she thought it helped keep the burning to a minimum and helped her skin heal.

I remember seeing pictures of victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and how many of them were burned by the radiation from the bombs. A sober reminder of what they can do, and how much power we have in our hands.

Pippinwhite

Radiation burns do look like sunburns, but they're more painful, according to people I know who have had radiation.

Fortunately, radiation technology has improved a lot and doctors can focus the radiation in a much narrower field, so not nearly as much skin has to be affected.

My cousin was born with a tumor on her kidney and had to have radiation when she was six weeks old. That was in 1961. Not only did she get skin problems from it, it probably also weakened her spine and caused scoliosis. And messed up her pancreas. She has been diabetic since she was 17.

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    • Topical creams and antibiotics are usually part of the treatment for radiation burns.
      By: Coprid
      Topical creams and antibiotics are usually part of the treatment for radiation burns.
    • A mild radiation burn may have the same look and feel as a sunburn.
      By: Wissmann Design
      A mild radiation burn may have the same look and feel as a sunburn.
    • Radiation therapy may cause hair loss.
      By: prudkov
      Radiation therapy may cause hair loss.
    • Radiation therapy may cause some cancer patients to experience nausea and vomiting.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Radiation therapy may cause some cancer patients to experience nausea and vomiting.
    • Skin problems are the most common side effect of a patient undergoing radiation therapy.
      By: jovannig
      Skin problems are the most common side effect of a patient undergoing radiation therapy.
    • Special dressings may be used to promote healing and prevent infection on severe radiation burns.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Special dressings may be used to promote healing and prevent infection on severe radiation burns.
    • A cold compress can help with radiation burns.
      By: Lovrencg
      A cold compress can help with radiation burns.
    • Blisters may develop as a result of a radiation burn.
      By: yevgeniy11
      Blisters may develop as a result of a radiation burn.
    • Topical ointments can be used to help treat radiation burns.
      By: Sherry Young
      Topical ointments can be used to help treat radiation burns.