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group treatment and given the quiet and privacy of a cubicle.
Some type of foot covering should be worn by all rheumatic
patients during treatment. Patients who are subject to attacks
of faintness should have special supervision. The pulse rate
before and after treatment is helpful in estimating the reaction
of the patient.
The digestive system can be favourably influenced by treatment.
Gingivitis and pyorrhæa show great improvement under
local exposures to the Kromayer lamp. The tone of the
abdominal muscles is improved, and minor degress of flatulence
and constipation are relieved. Anorexia may be abolished by
treatment. Where symptoms point to some gross lesion, sunlight
cannot be expected to supersede dietetic or operative treatment,
but it may be helpful as an adjunct to diet or in improving the
general condition of the patient before operation. Cases of
diabetes should be excluded.
The kidneys, after acute nephritis, are assisted in their repair
by Ultra Violet light treatment, especially after a prolonged
period of diet and vitamin starvation has reduced their vitality.
Chronic nephritis in its milder forms does not react badly, but
gross lesions with heavy albuminuria should be excluded.
The nervous system reacts favourably to Ultra Violet light
treatment. Organic disease is not cured, but symptoms are
relieved. Muscle tone is very much improved. The psychological
effect is good, and neuresthenic patients are directly and
indirectly benefited.
One patient, who was very depressed since her husband was
killed in the war and was afraid of crossing streets, would not go
out of her home unless accompanied. She now comes for treatment
regularly, and alone. Mentally backward children, many
of whom are immune to suggestion, show a remarkable improvement
in aspect and alertness.
The Endocrine System is indirectly stimulated by treatment,
and slight degress of hypothyroidism are relieved. The dosage