As the cumulative dose of
radiation increases, the degree of
erythema will range from faint
to brisk redness. Pigmentation
changes are caused by the migration
of melanin to the superficial layers
of the epidermis. In darker/black
skin, the treatment field will appear
darker during the erythematous
stages before progressing through
the other stages of dry and moist
desquamation. Hair follicles,
sweat and sebaceous glands in the
treatment field will also be affected
to differing degrees.