Hina Khan shows radiation burns from cancer treatment, shares a positive note: ‘Scarred not scared’
Hina Khan, who is currently undergoing immunotherapies after completing chemotherapy sessions, recently showed radiation skin burns in a selfie taken at the gym. Taking to her Instagram Stories, Khan, who has been highly vocal about her breast cancer journey, wrote, “Radiated skin scars. Also called radiation burns. It’s ok. The marks will likely fade away over time and we will get through this. There are a thousand beautiful things waiting for you, my girl…Belief, strength, faith, kindness, and gratitude. #Onedayatatime. #Scarrednotscared”
What causes radiation burns?
Dr Gaurav Jaswal, senior consultant and radiation oncologist at Onco Life Cancer Centre, Talegaon, said radiation burns or radiation-induced skin injury occur when the skin is damaged due to exposure to a high dose of ionising radiation, a form of energy that can change our body. “These can occur from any of the sources, including medical treatments like radiation treatment for cancer, nuclear accidents, industrial radiation exposure, and prolonged sun exposure,” said Dr Jaswal.
These are different from thermal burns, and in clinical practice are called radiation dermatitis. Every year millions of people undergo radiation treatment in India and around the world. According to Dr Jaswal, 90 per cent of these people will develop some form of radiation-induced skin injury or dermatitis, which can range from mild in most cases to severe in a few.
“Symptoms include itchy skin, discoloration, pain, swelling, and ulceration in severe cases. Taking extra precautions to care for your skin during and after radiation therapy can help protect it and aid healing,” said Dr Jaswal.
The severity depends on:
Dr Jaswal highlighted that most radiation burns are mild, self-limiting and easily treated. “In fact, many people don’t notice symptoms until a few weeks (or about a quarter of the way) into treatment and some people don’t develop radiation burn until after their final session,” said Dr Jaswal.
Conclusion:
Radiation burns, a common side effect of cancer treatments like radiation therapy, can range from mild to severe. While they may cause discomfort and visible skin changes, they are usually manageable with proper care and tend to heal over time. Hina Khan’s journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us that resilience, faith, and self-love play a crucial role in overcoming challenges. As she embraces her scars with confidence, her message—”Scarred, not scared”—encourages others to stay strong and hopeful in their battles against cancer.
Sameer Chotala is an experienced journalist specializing in sports, politics, and world news. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to credible reporting, Sameer Chotala brings insightful stories and timely updates to keep readers well-informed.
