Information on Specific Types of Emergencies

Cutaneous Radiation Injury (CRI)

Button Radiation Health Information for Specific Groups

Cutaneous Radiation Injury (CRI) happens when exposure to a large dose of radiation causes injury to the skin. A doctor will suspect the presence of a CRI when a skin burn develops on a person who was not exposed to a source of heat, electrical current, or chemicals.

People may experience a Cutaneous Radiation Injury (CRI) when:

They are exposed to certain types of radioactive materials that give off beta particles or penetrating gamma radiation or low-energy x-rays.
They experience Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS); however, not everyone who develops CRI will have ARS.

Symptoms of CRI

Symptoms of CRI can appear from a few hours to several days after exposure.
The early signs and symptoms of CRI include:
- Itchiness
- Tingling
- Skin redness (erythema)
- Swelling caused by a buildup of fluid (edema)
Over time, other symptoms may develop depending on the site of the injury and the level of radiation dose to which the skin was exposed.

Treatment of CRI

After a radiation emergency, if you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as emergency officials say it is safe to do so.
If you cannot get medical attention quickly, gently rinse the area with water. Keep the area clean, dry, and covered until a doctor can provide additional treatment.