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73
The effect desired has been "reddening'' or slight Erythema
(2nd degree) and this has been obtained in some instances,
although some children did not react at all. In fact, in only
one case (E.P. No. 74), a girl, aged 20, was this degree
exceeded, when a fairly severe erythema followed the initial
dose.
As a rule patients attending the Light Centre did not receive
any active medical treatment beyond "Malt and Oil" in the
case of pre-tubercular and badly nourished children. It is
to be recognised that Light Treatment does not do away with
evil effects of bad housing and insufficient nourishment.
Of the 92 patients, all did well, the gland cases especially
so. In one case (D.B. No. 3), a girl of 16 years with
glands involving both sides of the neck, and who had been
dismissed from Hospital with several discharging sinuses, the
exposure to Ultra-Violet Ray served to act almost magically,
healing rapidly taking place after a few exposures so that now
she is able to go back to work and is in good health.
In a case of Lupus (Mrs. J.), the woman had given up
attending a. City Hospital owing to the time and expense involved
in travelling to and fro. Lupus was of the dry type and after
a rather prolonged course at our Centre improvement gradually
set in and she was discharged with instructions to attend for
further treatment in two months time; her condition was much
better, although not completely healed. Owing to our Centre
being centrally situated she was able to continue for this furthter
treatment. It should be mentioned that no local treatment was
given, the whole body being exposed.
In the pre-tubercular and malnutrition cases no marked
increase in weight was noted, but there was a steady improvement
in general health and strength, lassitude and fatigue giving
way to renewed activity. This improvement was generally noted
by the parents in the first instance. One or two cases of Asthma
in children showed marked symptomatic improvement after exposure.
In conclusion, on the whole one can look back on the year's
work with satisfaction and confidence, but more and better
accommodation is required, together with bathing and washing
facilities, before the full benefits of Ultra-Violet Rays can be
realised.
Occupation.—As indicated last year, there are no industries
in the Borough which have any special bearing upon the Incidence
of Tuberculosis, and the occupations of notified cases in 1926
show no marked difference to those quoted last year.