“Is skin pigmentation common with radiation therapy?”
The area where I'm getting radiation therapy for my tumor on my leg is now very red. Is this common with radiation therapy?
7 Answers
Yes. It will slowly fade away or peel off. Normally, it will not be permanent.
Dr. Joshua N. Halpern
Radiation Oncologist
After skin doses of more the 4000 cGy there can be a temporary pigmentation of the skin like a suntan, which is not harmful otherwise.
Depending on the size of the treatment field, daily radiation dose, the number of radiation doses delivered, technique and beam energy a skin reaction called dermatitis can occur. The patient experiencing such finding should be seen or report it to her/his treating physician to confirm if it is dermatitis and if yes manage it accordingly.
Dear Patient,
Indeed, change in skin color/skin discoloration is one of the most common side effects of radiation therapy. This side effect, similar to a "sunburn," is observed with external beam radiation therapy; because the skin which is sensitive to radiation, is the first ‘point of contact’ in the path of the radiation beam as it traverses to the site of the target lesion. The red skin discoloration you described on your leg is referred to, in medical terms as erythema, defined as "redness of the skin." Erythema is the initial skin reaction induced by radiation treatment, after which skin desquamation (skin peeling) may ensue. We usually encourage the application of a topical moisturizing cream, approved by your physician, to the treated area 1-2 times per day at an interval of greater than 2-4 hours prior to, or after, each daily treatment. Should your skin reaction progress to skin peeling, your Oncology team will likely prescribe a topical agent called Silvadene, if you do not report an allergy to sulfa-containing agents. Other topical interventions or concoctions can be recommended for patients who are allergic to sulfa drugs. It is important and reassuring to note that radiation-induced skin reaction will resolve after completing the course of radiation. The interval required, and the rate of resolution of skin toxicity varies between patients.
I do hope that the explanation herein amply addresses your question.
Regards,
Dr. EB
Indeed, change in skin color/skin discoloration is one of the most common side effects of radiation therapy. This side effect, similar to a "sunburn," is observed with external beam radiation therapy; because the skin which is sensitive to radiation, is the first ‘point of contact’ in the path of the radiation beam as it traverses to the site of the target lesion. The red skin discoloration you described on your leg is referred to, in medical terms as erythema, defined as "redness of the skin." Erythema is the initial skin reaction induced by radiation treatment, after which skin desquamation (skin peeling) may ensue. We usually encourage the application of a topical moisturizing cream, approved by your physician, to the treated area 1-2 times per day at an interval of greater than 2-4 hours prior to, or after, each daily treatment. Should your skin reaction progress to skin peeling, your Oncology team will likely prescribe a topical agent called Silvadene, if you do not report an allergy to sulfa-containing agents. Other topical interventions or concoctions can be recommended for patients who are allergic to sulfa drugs. It is important and reassuring to note that radiation-induced skin reaction will resolve after completing the course of radiation. The interval required, and the rate of resolution of skin toxicity varies between patients.
I do hope that the explanation herein amply addresses your question.
Regards,
Dr. EB
Yes, treatment induced erythema (redness) in the treatment field is very common and may take months to go away completely after treatment is completed.
Roger Macklis
Roger Macklis
Skin redness is very common when the skin is within the high-dose radiation target. This is typically managed with over-the-counter skin creams, but prescription-strength creams are available for more severe cases.
It is fairly common when our target is near the skin. How red/irritated your skin becomes is a combination of your skin type and the dose of radiation your skin got.
