Radiation Burn

A radiation burn is a damage to the skin or other biological tissue and organs as an effect or radiation. The radiation types of greatest concern are thermal radiation, ultraviolet light, and ionizing radiation.

Radiation burns commonly occur in the form of a sunburn, when prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun causes damage (in the form of a "burn") on a creature's skin. However, radiation burns can also occur due to high exposure to X-rays, as well as from the thermal radiation released from nuclear explosions.

Symptoms
Radiation burns take several forms of differing severity. UV radiation will cause the skin to turn red and blister, but will often heal with time. However, radiation burns from X-rays and thermal radiation have been known to burn the skin like fire; literally melting the skin in some cases.

Minor radiation burns can be treated with certain ointments and concoctions, but aggressive burns are usually incurable. A person who sustains radiation burns frequently is much more likely to develop tumors, which are an all-too-common sight in the wasteland.

Prevention
In the case of UV radiation, substances like sunscreen can be used to protect a person's skin from damages. However, aggressive burns can only be avoided by limiting one's exposure to radiation.