Variations Of Treatment For Radiation Burns

Treatment For Radiation Burns

Radiation burns will have the same effect on the skin as a heat burn and the treatment for radiation burns is conducted in much the same way. Radiation burns the skin through exposure to ionizing radio frequency waves and can leave the skin red and raw in much the same way that intense heat and chemical burns do.

There are two main causes of radiation burn,

  • sunburn caused by UV rays
  • cancer therapy

But, it can be caused by accidental exposure to any form of radioactive material. Once the burn has been classified by a medical doctor into a category of 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree burn then treatment for radiation burns will be administered depending on the type and severity of the wound.

Sunburn

Most cases of sunburn are classified as 1st degree minor burns and require a less intense form of treatment. They mainly require some soothing and comfort treatment to ease the pain for the patient. The chances of infection and scarring are very low and there is rarely a need for dressing or medication in these cases.

Cancer Therapy

Cancer therapy uses radiation and can burn the skin of the patients during the process. These burns can be more severe and may need further treatment including wound dressings and medication in order to prevent any further health complications and to keep the area sterile.

Different Treatment For Radiation Burns

There are a few different types of treatment for radiation burns which are used depending on the severity and type.

  • For severe burns, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is often used as it increases the oxygen levels in the blood which helps to speed up the healing process of the skin and the wound.

  • Intravenous therapy is also used for sever radiation burns by preventing the body from becoming dehydrated.

When people have a burn they often have a raised body temperature which causes them to lose fluids faster than usual. In order to keep up the normal levels of fluids and promote healing and well being, intravenous drips can be used to pump fluids into the body and promote healthy healing.

Ease Your Discomfort

For burns that are not severe, but have caused the skin to be red and raw, there are some treatments available that soothe and ease the pain and discomfort of the patient. Cold compresses and pain medications are both treatments which can help to ease pain and discomfort after the initial treatment for radiation burns has finished. The compresses will help to relieve the feeling that the skin is burning and soothe the affected area while the pain medication will reduce aching and soreness around the wound, different strengths are prescribed according to the amount of pain the patient is in.

The skin will require some soothing gel so as to prevent it drying out and scabbing, while keeping the body dehydrated will help to promote healing and repair. The main aim of these treatments is to create a comfortable and easy situation for the patient to be in until they are fully recovered.