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95
outset definite underlying organic or constitutional disease which
may require specific treatment; for whilst in some of these cases
ultra-violet radiation may be of value when combined with specific
treatment, in others it is definitely contra-indicated. Where,
however, such conditions are hereditary, dietetic, environmental or
catarrhal in origin the general application of ultra-violet radiation
is of great value, and it is cases of this type which have been
treated at the Town Hall Light Clinic. The treatment has also
been used with very marked benefit in cases of chronic bronchial
catarrh, bronchitis, rheumatism and adenitis. Children suffering
from hypertonia of the nervous system, the highly strung,
excitable, irritable and choreic types do not in all cases appear to
respond very satisfactorily to ultra-violet radiation. Throughout
general irradiation has been used chiefly as an adjunct to natural
sunlight, during the period from September to May, and parents
have been instructed and persuaded in regard to the importance of
taking full advantage of natural sunshine and fresh air. The
tungsten arc lamp has been used mainly in the local treatment of
chronic cervical adenitis (in conjunction with general irradiation),
and there is no doubt that the results achieved are far superior to
those following" any other form of treatment : this lamp has also
been used in the treatment of ringworm, but whilst satisfactory
results have been obtained in ringworm of the body in the case of
ringworm of the scalp the cure is tedious and the method is
inferior to preliminary depilation by the application of X-rays : on
the other hand indolent skin infections have responded very satisfactorily
to this form of treatment.