Low-dose ionizing radiation exposure and its impact on skin ageing among healthcare workers

Exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) is an occupational risk for healthcare professionals and can result in a range of health issues.

To assess the relationship between chronic low-dose IR exposure and the development of early ageing-related facial skin wrinkles in healthcare workers.

Facial skin wrinkles present in 70 healthcare workers who had been exposed to low-dose IR for at least 5 years were compared with those of 70 nonexposed healthcare workers. Skin wrinkles were assessed using the Lemperle wrinkle assessment scale and the scores of the IR-exposed healthcare workers were compared with those of the nonexposed controls.

There were no statistically significant differences in sociodemographic factors and Fitzpatrick skin types between the IR-exposed healthcare workers and the control group. Analysis of the Lemperle wrinkle assessment scale scores revealed significant differences, with IR-exposed workers showing higher scores for all facial wrinkle categories evaluated (all P < 0.001) and for horizontal neck folds (P = 0.002).

To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess healthcare workers with long-term exposure to low-dose IR for facial skin wrinkles, a visible consequence of skin ageing. Chronic low-dose IR exposure can lead to increased skin wrinkles, representative of advanced skin ageing in healthcare workers. These findings underscore the need for enhanced protective measures and regular monitoring for individuals exposed to occupational radiation.