The effects of split dose radiations on the mechanical properties of the skin

A series of split dose experiments in which the interval between doses was varied from 1 to 7 d is reported. In vitro measurements of the mechanical properties of skin are made 50 and 120 d after the first irradiation. The variation of the skin thickness, load at rupture, extension at rupture, stress at rupture and skin stiffness with dose and with time interval between doses is examined. The results suggest that after the highest doses of irradiation the skin is matted in structure and the fractionation pattern is insignificant. Different fractionation patterns only influence the radiation effects at lower doses where the skin retains an open mesh structure. The experiments indicate that a maximum skin sparing effect is obtained with a two day interval between the split doses.