X-Ray treatment of carbuncles and furuncles (boils)

Abstract

The goal of this article was to assess the historical role of radiotherapy in the treatment of selected inflammatory diseases. The specific research involved a literature-based assessment of the use of x-rays during the first half of the 20th century for the treatment of furuncles and carbuncles, the potentially serious staphylococcus infections. X-Rays were reported to be effective as a treatment at relatively low dose, about 10–20% of the skin erythema dose, which often quickly and profoundly reduce pain and accelerate the resolution/healing of the furuncles and carbuncles. These findings were based on considerable clinical experience that was generally reported in the form of case studies. The mechanism of x-ray–induced reduction of inflammation and acceleration of healing was suggested to result from a combination of immune alterations that enhanced phagocytosis as well as via an anti-localization effect on the pathogenic organism that facilitates their destruction.