Erysipelas

Abstract

Dissatisfaction with the results obtained by topical applications in the treatment of erysipelas has led to the investigation of various other methods. Three of these may be considered of major importance, namely, (1) roentgen irradiation; (2) ultraviolet irradiation;(3) intramuscular injection of a specific antitoxin. We have used these methods to a considerable extent.We were at first favorably impressed with the effects of roentgen irradiation. Certain disadvantages, such as the inherent dangers, the expense, the lack of proper facilities in all communities, and the necessity that this form of treatment be given under the supervision of a trained radiologist, have induced us to try to find other methods. The use of antitoxin has certain disadvantages, such as the expense, the necessity for repeated injections, and the dangers of sensitization and serum reactions. Ultraviolet irradiation has none of the objectionable features of the other methods, while it seems to excel them in effectiveness. We are now using ultraviolet radiation in all of our cases of erysipelas.Since the publication of the work of Platon and Rigler,1 in 1926, there has been only one additional report on the effects of roentgen therapy in erysipelas, that by Harbinson and Lawson.2 They treated eleven cases, using unfiltered radiation and a smaller dose than that advocated by Platou and Rigler, but with about the same results. Their dose is small enough so that it can be easily repeated without danger. This method has also been used by Leddy and Ford3 of the Mayo Clinic. They report good results in most cases but find that unfiltered radiation and small doses produce much the same results as the larger filtered doses. They have found some of their postoperative cases very retract¬ able.There has been little recent work published on the use of ultraviolet irradiation in erysipelas, and no reports except our own * are available in instances in From the departments of roentgenology of the Minneapolis General Hospital and the University of Minnesota, and the department of contagious diseases of the Minneapolis General Hospital.