Skin Conditions—Radiation Exposure

Radiation is energy that travels in the form of waves or high-speed particles. It occurs naturally in sunlight. Man-made radiation is used in X-rays, nuclear weapons, nuclear power plants and cancer treatment.

If you are exposed to small amounts of radiation over a long time, it raises your risk of cancer. It can also cause mutations in your genes, which you could pass on to any children you have after the exposure. A lot of radiation over a short period, such as from a radiation emergency, can cause burns or radiation sickness. Symptoms of radiation sickness include nausea, weakness, hair loss, skin burns and reduced organ function. If the exposure is large enough, it can cause premature aging or even death. You may be able to take medicine to reduce the radioactive material in your body.

Environmental Protection Agency

• Radiation sickness (Medical Encyclopedia)

Also called: Cutaneous disorders, Dermatologic disorders

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It covers and protects your body. Your skin

• Holds body fluids in, preventing dehydration
• Keeps harmful microbes out, preventing infections
• Helps you feel things like heat, cold, and pain
• Keeps your body temperature even
• Makes vitamin D when the sun shines on it

Anything that irritates, clogs, or inflames your skin can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, burning, and itching. Allergies, irritants, your genetic makeup, and certain diseases and immune system problems can cause rashes, hives, and other skin conditions. Many skin problems, such as acne, also affect your appearance.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

• Acrodermatitis (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Cryotherapy (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Cutaneous skin tags (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Dry skin — self-care (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Erythema multiforme (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Granuloma annulare (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Keratosis pilaris (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Lichen planus (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Milia (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Sebaceous cyst (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Seborrheic keratosis (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Skin lesion removal (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Skin lesion removal-aftercare (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Stasis dermatitis and ulcers (Medical Encyclopedia)