Re: X-ray Acne Treatment

[rkathren@tricity.wsu.edu (Ron L. Kathren)]

Jim --

Low energy x-rays, ie Grenz rays, kvP < 12, were widely used in the 1940's
and earlier (and even later as some dermatologists/radiologists continued
their earlier practices) for superficial treatment of a variety of skin
diseases.  Doses, which were then measured in r, were substantial, near or
even exceeding the SED.

Ron Kathren

At 12:22 PM 9/16/97 -0500, mail15077@pop.net wrote:
>Good morning,
>
>Have any of you ever heard of using X-rays for the treatment of acne?  One of 
>our workers has described getting such treatment in the 60's.  His description 
>of the procedure sounds like a UV Treatment, which was common, but certain 
>aspects of his recollections would be consistent with X-ray treatment (lead 
>apron drapes, a "cone shaped" irradiator, etc.).
>
>If such treatment was done, do you have any estimates of the doses (or dose 
>rates) involved?
>
>Jim Barnes, CHP
>Radiation Safety Officer
>Rocketdyne Division; Boeing North American
>
>
>
>