Up to 95% of patients receiving radiation therapy experience some degree of skin change.
Typically develops within the first few weeks of treatment or up to 90 days after starting. 📊 Severity Grading (NCI CTCAE v6.0)
Clinicians use standard scales like the CTCAE or RTOG to monitor progress. Clinical Presentation Common Symptoms Faint erythema (redness) Dry peeling (dry desquamation), itching 2 (Moderate) Bright red, tender skin Patchy moist peeling (moist desquamation), edema 3 (Severe) Extensive weeping/moist areas Bleeding from minor trauma, pain 4 (Critical) Skin necrosis or ulceration Deep tissue damage, spontaneous bleeding 🧴 Management & Skin Care Tips
Practical recommendations for the management of radiodermatitis
Radiodermatitis (radiation dermatitis) is a common side effect of for cancer. It occurs when radiation energy damages skin cells faster than they can regenerate, leading to inflammation.
Evidence-based guidelines from the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and EADV suggest the following: Daily Hygiene