Common Concerns
Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy radiation or radioactive substances to shrink the cancerous cells; it can damage the skin. Radiation burn is one of the side effects that these rays can cause to the surface. After receiving the treatment, most people always remain with the burden of handling other side effects and noticing new complications.
Constant pain from radiation burns, tissue damage, or reducing bladder control are some of the heavy burden radiation therapy patients undergo even months after the treatment conclusions. These complications are frustrating, painful, and at worst embarrassing. Fortunately, they should never be a concern to anyone because there is a solution.
Radiation Burns
Radiation damages to the body become visible as burns and ulcers on the body. The burns occur after the completion of the treatment and can reduce the skin’s capacity to heal. As such, the damages can last for months or years if there is no proper intervention.
Over time, if radiation exposure continues, blisters caused by burns can burst, and the skin becomes very flaky. A condition known as radiodermatitis can develop in the end due to the dilated blood vessels on the skin’s surface.
Radiation burns can occur because of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, x-rays, and radiotherapy. Lengthy procedures like fluoroscopy can cause radiation burns as well.
Symptoms
The symptoms of radiation can vary from one person to another but can become worse over time. A majority of patients who seek radiation burn treatments in TX show the following symptoms.
- Redness
- Itching
- Peeling and flaking
- Soreness and swelling
- Moistness and blistering
- Pigmentation changes
Unfortunately, radiation damage to the skin does not stop with buns. If exposed skin peels away faster than it can grow back, radiation ulcers develop. These wounds can feel like burns but are non-healing ulcers that increase the risks of other infections.
Risk Factors
Constant and prolonged exposure to radiation burns can lead to other undesirable side effects. The effects of radiation burns include
- Skin disease
- Obesity
- Malnutrition
- Other infectious diseases like HIV
- Diabetes
Treatment Methods
Radiation burns are some of the worst side effects of therapies. The resulting consequences are disturbing and ugly. Fortunately, with the right approach, the results can be reduced or eliminated permanently. Through the guidance of professions who specialize in radiation burn treatment in Texas, these are the treatment options available.
- Corticosteroid Cream is often prescribed for radiation dermatitis. Although it has clinical controversies, it is a useful option that can give results.
- The use of antibiotics from oral and tropical have shown effectiveness in treating burns associated with radiotherapy. It is a cheap and accessible option that anyone can use.
- Silver leaf nylon dressing employs the use of gauze to treat burns on the skin. It is one of the best options available in the market and has overwhelming advantages because of its antimicrobial and anti-infective properties. Another thing that makes this option superior is its ability to help in relieving symptoms of pain, itching, infection, and swelling.
- Zinc infusion is another vital option that works to promote immune function. It can treat acne, burns, and ulcers; besides, it treats x-ray dermatitis. Doctors can agree that it is the best option, and patients can take it orally.
