Skin reaction to radiation is classified as what type of effect?

Skin reactions to radiation are classified as deterministic effects because they are directly related to the dose of radiation received. Deterministic effects have a threshold dose; below this threshold, the effect typically does not occur, and beyond it, the severity of the effect increases with dose. Skin reactions, such as erythema, desquamation, or ulceration, fall into this category because the likelihood of these effects occurring rises with higher radiation exposure and is predicted by the absorbed dose.

In contrast, stochastic effects, often linked with cancer development, are those that occur by chance and do not have a threshold; they increase in probability with dose but not in severity. Non-specific effects are less commonly used in this context and do not accurately represent the relationship between dose and effect intensity. Probabilistic effects is another term often associated with stochastic effects, focusing on the statistical likelihood of an effect occurring rather than the severity based on dose. Therefore, the classification of skin reactions as deterministic is based on their predictable nature in relation to radiation dose.