X-ray Treatment of Ringworm of the Scalp

The following observations are based on a series of 2,600 cases of ringworm of the scalp, personally treated with irradiation by me during the past ten years. The Kienböck-Adamson technique is too well known to need detailed description; it is enough to say that the technique I now use is very similar. The following data indicate its nature: Apparatus. Single valve transformer; Victor Kearsley stabiliser; Coolidge tube; Mekapion dosimeter. Kilovoltage: 95. Milliamperage: 2. Filter: 2 mm. aluminium. Target-skin distance: 8 inches. Dose: 4/5 P.D. 5 minutes. 260–270 r. The object of this paper is to urge the use of apparatus similar to that described, to review the methods of dose estimation, and to record a method of restraining young patients during irradiation. With this subject is bound up the power unit. 1. The Sabouraud pastille has been the sheet-anchor of the radio-therapeutist in hundreds of thousands of exposures, but its margin of error is too great for accurate dosage. When judged by the most expert, it shows a ± 10 per cent variation, and, in addition, there may occur an appreciable variation of ±10 per cent in its initial tint—a point not often realised. Of the available alternatives, three may be mentioned. 2. McKee's constants. A system of electrical and time constants has proved in my hands a more accurate method of dose estimation than the pastille. Judged by ionisation measurements, it gives, with my apparatus, a ± 5 per cent variation.