Grenz rays

Grenz Rays

Grenz rays (pronounced: /ɡrɛnz reɪz/) are a form of radiation therapy used in the treatment of certain skin conditions. The term "Grenz rays" is derived from the German word "Grenz", which means "border" or "boundary", referring to the shallow penetration of these rays into the skin.

History

Grenz rays were first discovered in the early 20th century by German physicist Gustav Bucky. Bucky was investigating the properties of X-rays and discovered that by using a low voltage, he could produce a form of radiation that only penetrated the superficial layers of the skin. This discovery led to the development of Grenz ray therapy, which was widely used in dermatology until the mid-20th century.

Use in Medicine

Grenz rays are used in the treatment of several skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and basal cell carcinoma. The rays are produced by a special machine that generates a low voltage, resulting in a form of radiation that only penetrates the superficial layers of the skin. This allows for targeted treatment of skin conditions without damaging deeper tissues.

Procedure

The procedure for Grenz ray therapy involves the patient being positioned in front of the Grenz ray machine, with the affected area of skin exposed. The machine is then activated, and the Grenz rays are directed at the skin. The duration of the treatment varies depending on the condition being treated, but typically lasts between 10 and 20 minutes.

Risks and Side Effects

As with any form of radiation therapy, there are potential risks and side effects associated with Grenz ray therapy. These may include skin redness, irritation, and in rare cases, skin cancer. However, the risk of these side effects is generally considered to be low due to the shallow penetration of the Grenz rays.

Related Terms

• Radiation therapy
• X-rays
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Basal cell carcinoma

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Grenz rays
• Wikipedia's article - Grenz rays

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