Skin damage following radiotherapy on a womans hand to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC). BCC is a type of skin cancer that begins in the basal cell, which produces new skin cells as old ones die off. It typically appears as a small pink bump that looks shiny, translucent, or waxy. Over time, it may grow larger and become crusty, bleed, or form an ulcer. Treatments for BCC include radiotherapy, cryotherapy, cauterization, and surgical removal. Radiation burn is a common side effect of external beam radiation therapy. It can make the skin sore, peel, itch or turn red. Treatment for radiation burns often includes prescription steroid ointments.