| Chronic radiodermatitis | |
|---|---|
| Classification and external resources | |
| ICD-10 | L58.1 (ILDS L58.100) |
Chronic radiodermatitis occurs with chronic exposure to "sub-erythema" doses of ionizing radiation over a prolonged period, producing varying degrees of damage to the skin and its underlying parts after a variable latent period of several months to several decades.[1]:40 In the past this type of radiation reaction occurred most frequently in radiologists and radiographic technologists who were constantly exposed to ionizing radiation.[1]:40 Restated, chronic radiodermatitis, squamous and basal cell carcinomas may develop months to years after radiation exposure.[2]:130[3] Clinically, chronic radiodermatitis presents as atrophic indurated plaques, often whitish or yellowish, with telangiectasia, sometimes with hyperkeratosis.[2]:130