L58: Radiodermatitis

L58.9: Radiodermatitis, unspecified

Harmful radiation can include x-rays or radioactive radiation. X-rays are used in medicine, for example, to produce images of the bones in the body. However, you don’t need a lot of x-rays to do this. A lot of x-rays or radioactive radiation is used in medicine to treat malignant diseases, for example. Radioactive radiation is also found in nature and is also generated artificially in nuclear power plants.

This kind of harmful radiation damages the cells inside the skin.

Exposure of the skin to a lot of harmful radiation can cause red patches to develop on the skin. The skin in these areas can also be very dry and deep wounds may develop. Hair can fall out and, depending on the amount of radiation, later grow back or permanently fall out. There may also be areas where the skin remains darker than usual.