What is radiation dermatitis?

Radiation dermatitis is a skin disease that develops when the patient undergoes radiotherapy for cancer treatment. It affects most patients undergoing radiotherapy. There are three main types of dermatitis. In some cases, dermatitis develops into a new cancer. Treatment of the disease requires the help of a dermatologist.

Radiotherapy, also known as radiation oncology, is a form of cancer treatment generally paired with chemotherapy and surgery. During treatment, the radiation rays are focused on the tumor, the goal is to kill malignant cells. Because the radiation must first pass through the skin, as a result, the rapidly dividing cells of the skin damage. Dermatitis first presents itself as a patch of irritation reminiscent of burning. In most cases, healing occurs within a few weeks after the end of radiotherapy, although some patients report that skin color remains for many years.

There are three main forms of radiation dermatitis. The first is the arostelist radiodermatitis. It seems that after the initial exposure seems less n24 hours and will represent redness of the skin and maybe blisters. Chronic radiodermatitis takes longer and has different symptoms. It develops after many treatments, thickens the skin and may cause more cancer a few years later.

The latest form of radiation dermatitis is mostly affected by women, as it occurs mainly during the treatment of breast cancer or cervix. This form of dermatitis, known as eosinophilic, polymorphic and lighting associations of eruption with radiotherapy (Epper), is characterized by the formation of papers and skin eruptions. Epper treatment is much more difficult than other forms of radiation dermatitis due to a combination of open ulcers and an already weakened patient's immune system. The possibility of infection complicates cancer treatment.

Very small percentage dermatitis becomes skin cancer. Although chronic radioodiodermatitis has the highest chance to become cancer, all cases of radiation dermatiteThe idy is carefully monitored during radiation treatment and after the first cancer symptoms. Due diligence of the medical community plays a major role in reducing the number of skin cancer that occurs due to radiotherapy.

treatment of radiation dermatitis requires the patient to see his dermatologist during and after treatment of radiotherapy. In addition to checking dermatitis for cancer, a dermatologist is able to prescribe drugs, usually creams to reduce inflammation and pain. The dermatologist can also give advice on the best ways of cleaning and care for dermatitis until he heals himself after radiotherapy.