Phototherapy is limited in its application. It is sure to prove tedious and expensive for extensive areas because only small areas averaging less than an inch in diameter can be treated at one time. The parts to be treated must be free from exudation and capable of exsanguination. Mucous membranes are inaccessible. Further, it must be remembered the penetration of the rays is limited. A thorough and careful technic is essential to the successful treatment of lupus vulgaris (for which it is especially effective) and some cases of lupus erythematosus, alopecia areata, rosacea, eczema, nevi, etc. In order to decrease the expense and to obtain more rapid results a number of modifications of the Finsen apparatus have been put on the market. While not attempting to lessen the virtue of these machines for some few purposes. I desire to protest against the comparison of their work with that of the original Finsen apparatus, because such records are not trustworthy nor scientific, and hinder rather than advance the progress of actinotherapy. Chief among the modifications are the Kromayer quartz, the Lortet-Genoud and the London Hospital lamps, in which the source of light can be brought within two inches of the surface to be treated. Exsanguination is produced by pressing the affected part firmly on the face of the front lens. An arc light is employed, having carbon electrodes, an amperage of 10 or 12 and a voltage of 55. Many smaller, less reliable and less expensive lamps, using iron and other metal electrodes or the high-tension condensor spark, are employed to produce the ultra-violet rays in varying quantity. These have no penetrating power, since the rays are absorbed by the epidermis and hence are suitable only for superficial skin lesions.
American homeopath, he directed several hospitals in New York.
Professor of dermatology.
Served as Lieut. Colonel during the 1st World War.
See his book online: American homeopathy in the world war