Skin care advice following radiology procedures

You have had a specialised X-ray procedure. During this a small patch of your skin may have been exposed to radiation for a long period of time; this can cause changes to the skin.

The changes depend on which area of the body the X-rays were pointing at (for example the head or the back), and the length of the procedure.

Skin reddening (also known as erythema)

This is the first sign that the small patch of exposed skin has been affected. This looks like sunburn and can feel warm, sensitive, and tight. This can happen anything from the first 24 hours up to 2 weeks later.

Temporary hair loss

This may also start up to three weeks following your procedure, depending on the exposed area of skin.

If you have any of these symptoms, please contact the Imaging department and your referring consultant to let us know. We may need to arrange a follow up appointment.

Further recommendations

Apply a creamy moisturiser (for example Epimax) sparingly to the affected skin. You can buy this or something similar from your pharmacist. Do not apply the cream to broken skin.
Wash skin with lukewarm water and pat gently dry.
Whilst you still have symptoms, wear loose cotton clothing (if skin damage is to the body) and try to let air circulate around the affected area.
Protect any affected skin from direct sunlight.
If you contact your GP about this issue, please itell them about your radiology procedure.
If you are required to have any further X-ray procedures within 14 days, please let the hospital staff know.

References

The Society and College of Radiographers (2020) Radiation Dermatitis Guidelines for Radiotherapy Healthcare Professionals.

The Society of Interventional Radiology. Interventional Fluoroscopy-reducing radiation risks for patients and staff. NIH Publication No.05-5286.