Acute radiation-induced skin reaction in palliative care
Acute radiation-induced skin reaction is a common adverse effect of radiotherapy. Redness, swelling, pigmentation, fibrosis, ulceration, pain, and itch occur around 2 weeks after treatment starts and can persist for up to 4 weeks after treatment finishes.
Analgesic therapy and nonadherent dressings may be required to manage the pain caused by acute radiation-induced skin reaction. While topical corticosteroids may reduce occurrence when used prophylactically, their use in treating acute radiation-induced skin reaction remains unclear.
For more information on acute radiation-induced skin reactions, see the eviQ website.