The roentgen-ray in the treatment of skin diseases / Howard Fox, M.D., New York.

  • Fox, Howard, 1873-1947
Date:
1924
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The roentgen-ray in the treatment of skin diseases / Howard Fox, M.D., New York. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    My experience with acne comprises 191 cases which were followed for a sufficient time to note the effect of treatment. The results in 111 cases were recorded as excellent, the eruption having completely dis¬ appeared at the last visit or was so reported by the patient at a subse¬ quent date. In forty-seven cases the eruption was practically well at the conclusion of treatment. Improvement was recorded in twenty- seven patients, many of whom were unable for one reason or another to take the full course of treatment. Three patients showed a severe and one a slight relapse after the eruption had entirely disappeared. The result in two cases was an absolute failure. Persistent and annoy¬ ing pigmentation, which eventually disappeared, was noted in two cases. In no case was there any evidence of an erythema or when seen later of any injury to the skin. A number of patients presented pitting that is noted so often after spontaneous disappearance of the disease or after treatment by other methods. A review of the recent literature shows that the majority speak highly of the value of the roentgen ray in acne when it is administered with all proper precautions. Pusey says it is “the method of preference,” * and MacKee considers it our “most efficacious therapeutic agent,” but thinks that it has been and still is abused. Sutton15 considers it “one of the most valuable remedies we possess.” Other similar opinions are expressed by Michael,16 Reed, Jacoby,17 Simpson,18 Leof,19 Haldin Davis 20 and McKenna.21 Others including Brocq, Hartzell,22 Ormsby and Schamberg 23 think it should be reserved for rebellious or selected cases. MacLeod 24 thinks it of value when comedones are “unusually hard, prominent and numerous.” 15. Sutton, R. L.: Diseases of the Skin, Ed. 4, St. Louis, C. V. Mosby Company, 1921. 16. Michael, J. C.: The Use of the Roentgen Ray in the Treatment of Commoner Diseases, Texas State J. M. 17:256 (Sept.) 1921. 17. Jacoby, R.: Roentgen Ray Treatment of Acne Vulgaris, Boston M. & S. J. 187:793 (Nov. 30) 1922. 18. Simpson, C. A.: X-Ray in Dermatology, Virginia M. Semi-Month. 49: 122 (June) 1922. 19. Leof, M. V.: The Value of X-Ray in Skin Diseases, New York M. J. and Med. Rec. 116:379 (Oct. 4) 1922. 20. Davis, H.: Skin Diseases in General Practice, London, Henry Frowde, 1921. 21. McKenna, R. W.: Diseases of the Skin and Manual for Students and Practitioners, London, Bailliere, 1923. 22. Hartzell, M. B.: Diseases of the Skin, Ed. 2, Philadelphia, J. B. Lippin- cott Company, 1919. 23. Schamberg, J. F.: Diseases of the Skin and the Eruptive Fevers, Ed. 4, Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders Company, 1911. 24. MacLeod, J. M. H.: Diseases of the Skin, New York, Paul B. Hoeber, 1921.