Communicating Relative Radiation Doses for Plain Radiographs in Pediatric Dermatology

Plain radiographs are occasionally indicated in pediatric dermatology, and caregivers expect providers ordering such studies to counsel about the associated radiation exposure. We reviewed possible indications for plain radiographs in pediatric dermatology and assessed estimated effective radiation doses of these studies. We compared these estimates to natural background equivalent radiation time and estimated equivalent radiation exposure during international flight times. Although exact radiation dosages will vary by institutional and individual patient factors, we hope that these estimates will provide useful figures to counsel patients and caregivers about the low associated radiation dosages of plain radiographs to facilitate shared decision making.