Actinodermatitis

/ˌæktɪnoʊˌdɜrməˈtaɪtɪs/ noun

Definition

Inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, or other forms of radiant energy.

Etymology

From actino- (Greek aktis, 'ray') + dermatitis (from Greek derma, 'skin' + -itis, 'inflammation'). This more specific medical term became common in the early 20th century as dermatology developed.

Kelly Says

Actinodermatitis affected early radiologists so frequently that it actually became a badge of honor—a visible sign that you were working with powerful new medical technologies, though we now know that chronic radiation exposure vastly increased their cancer risk.

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