Skin care after high dose interventional fluoroscopy

Introduction

Interventional fluoroscopy uses X-rays to guide small instruments through blood vessels or other pathways in the body via a small incision (cut). This means that an X-ray beam is directed at a relatively small patch of skin throughout the procedure.

For some treatments, exposure to X-rays may be longer, particularly in emergency situations where there may be unexpected complications. Prolonged exposure to X-rays can cause skin changes to the area of the body being treated.

What are the possible skin changes?

Up to ten days after treatment, you may notice your skin:

• becoming more sensitive
• looking pinker and sunburnt
• looking dry, flaky and feeling sore
• Feeling itchy and inflamed

About three weeks after treatment, you may also experience temporary hair loss in the affected area of the body.

What can I do to take care of my skin?

Washing

• Avoid washing with very hot water as this may irritate the skin more
• Only use unperfumed soap as your skin may become more sensitive to perfumes
• When drying, pat (do not rub) the area dry with a clean towel—your skin can become fragile and more prone to flaking and peeling so rubbing will make it worse
• Avoid deodorants, antiperspirants and perfumes in the affected area as this may cause further irritation
• Do not use talc as this may dry out the skin more
• If the skin becomes very dry, we recommend that you gently apply Aqueous (moisturising) cream to the affected area twice a day

Swimming

Avoid swimming in chlorinated water (commonly used in swimming pools) until your skin is back to normal.

Clothing

Try wearing loose clothes and cotton underwear as these will feel more comfortable and will help reduce the risk of fabrics irritating or rubbing the skin.

Sunlight

• Avoid direct sunlight on the affected area
• Do not sunbathe as your skin will be more likely to burn

Your skin will remain sensitive to the effects of your interventional fluoroscopy treatment for several weeks. We recommend that you continue to use moisturising cream twice a day until your follow-up appointment 30 days after your treatment.

This appointment will usually be with the doctor that referred you for treatment. He/she will be able to give you further advice about caring for your skin.

Contact information

Interventional Radiology Department
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
369 Fulham Road
London
SW10 9NH
T: 020 3315 8570/8582