X-Ray Dermatitis

X-Ray Dermatitis

What several grades of x-ray dermatitis (x-ray burns, Rontgen-ray burns) are observed?

Three grades are usually described: erythema, superficial vesication, and necrosis. The first and second may come on shortly—a few hours to several days—after exposure; occasionally later. The third grade may present also in the first several days, but in many cases one to several weeks may elapse before it appears; it is quite commonly preceded by erythema and vesication. The necrosis may be superficial or deep, and quite usually results in a persistent ulcer covered by a leathery coating; it is usually painful.

Give the prognosis and treatment of x-ray dermatitis.

The first grade—the erythematous—usually disappears in one to ten days; the second grade requires one to several weeks, and may be quite sore and tender; the severe or necrotic burns are persistent, sometimes lasting for months and several years, with little tendency to spontaneous disappearance, and rebellious to treatment.

Treatment of the milder types is that of erythema (q. v.); the necrotic type occasionally demands thorough curetting and skin-grafting before it will heal.