Ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths between 200 and 300 nm causes cutaneous manifestations and even skin cancer. People who work outdoors (farmers, sailors, etc.). are xposed to solar radiation, with wavelengths between 290 and 320 nm. Also, people who work in environments equipped with working lights sterilization or electric arc, are exposed to UV radiation with a wavelength of about 280 nm. This radiation can cause skin inflammation after a short exposure.

Exposure to ionizing radiation and radioactive isotopes can cause skin inflammation (radiodermatitis). When the exposure is repeated for several years, the cumulative effect can cause premature skin aging, skin ulcers or cancer.

Chronic radiodermatitis are skin condition that affects particularly those who exhibit their hands repeatedly to ionizing radiation (personnel working on equipment used in radiodiagnostic various diseases). Chronic radiodermatitis are influenced by several factors, including: type of equipment and the type of radiation used, duration of exposure, number of exposures, etc.

Radiodermatitis stages

Accidental exposure to ionizing radiation affects the skin, depending on the absorbed dose. The relationship between absorbed dose and injury is shown in the table below, but depends from case to case:

Appearance	rem	Sv
Rash	600	6
Scaling	1,000	10
Ulcer	2,000	20
Radiodermatitis	2,500	25

Radiodermatitis is skin damage due to excessive exposure to X-rays or other radioactive agents. Radiodermatitis can be acute or chronic. Injuries can be divided into four categories, appearance and severity depend on the irradiated surface of the body, the dose and tumor type.

Grade I – Erythema: it is recommended to apply creams / ointments emollient and / or corticosteroid.

Grade II – erythema, mild odor: it is recommended applying creams / ointments emollients and / or hydrogels.

Grade III – edema, less exudative: it is recommended using hydrogels, where exudate is present in large quantities, using absorbent dressings, etc..

Grade IV – ulceration, necrosis. Treatment depends on the lesion.

Healing of radiodermatitis

Acute radiodermatitis usually heals over a period of 3 to 4 weeks. Chronic radiodermatitis may be present for 90 days to several years, resulting in permanent damage of the skin. Skin syndrome is a continue skin reaction at significant levels of ionizing radiation by:

• Skin exposure to radiation that penetrates deep tissues (e.g. gamma radiation);
• Exposing large areas at high energies (beta radiation).

Treatment of radiodermatitis

Usually, treatment depends on the severity of radiodermatitis symptoms and patient discomfort. There are many creams and ointments that contain ascorbic acid, vitamin D, chamomile, aloe, calendula, etc. Their use should provide reduced bacterial load and the risk of infection, also is recommended washing with neutral soap (Bolderston, Lloyd, Wong, Holden, & Robb-Benderman, 2006: Hymes, Strom, & Fife, 2006). At the same time, micronutrients like amino acids, vitamins (including vitamin A), antioxidants and fatty acids should be provided.

GANIKDERMA® in treatment of radiodermatitis

GANIKDERMA® is applied in a layer of 1 to 2 mm for the entire area of interest. GANIKDERMA® offers the following solutions:

 

• Emollient: restore skin barrier function;
• Antioxidant: reduce free radicals, the content of vitamin E, A, flavonoid and fatty acids. Wax contains about 18 amino acids, which protect the skin.
• Anti-inflammatory properties are given by natural ingredients: phenol, oleocanthal, fatty acids that also favor restoring the lipid barrier of the skin. Subgallate bismuth has anti-inflammatory properties and is a hemostatic agent and antimicrobial;
• Neutral pH (6.5 to 7.5);
• Antibacterial action of phenolic acids, flavonoid, ferulic acid and ricinoleic acid, components of GANIKDERMA® ointment
• Antiseptic action of Gum rosin and camphor