Grenz rays are part of the electromagnetic spectrum comprising low energy (ultrasoft)

X-rays An X-ray, or, much less commonly, X-radiation, is a penetrating form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Most X-rays have a wavelength ranging from 10 picometers to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30&nbs ...

. These were first investigated by Gustav Bucky in 1923 using a cathode vacuum tube with a lithium borate glass window, which he labeled Grenz rays as he believed that the biological effects resembled those of UV light and traditional X-rays and hence were on the border between the two (''Grenz'' = border in German). These rays are also known as Bucky rays.Lewis H: Grenz ray therapy: Regimens & Results.Chapter 15 in Physical Modalities in Dermatologic Therapy. Goldschmidt H (ed.) 1978 Springer-Verlag Grenz rays are produced by specially calibrated X-ray machines generally operating in the 10 to 30 kV range to produce X-rays with HVL less than 0.035 mm in aluminum.Hollander MB : Grenz rays. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 21,15–26 July 1953. (HVL is half-value layer, and refers to a thickness of a given material that will cut the X-ray flux by 50%). Grenz rays are absorbed by air and therefore treatments must be given at fixed distances for which the machine has been calibrated. In human tissue Grenz rays have a half-value depth of 0.5 mm and are essentially absorbed within the first 2 mm of skin. The exact mechanism of action is unknown but it does have effects on the

Langerhans cell A Langerhans cell (LC) is a tissue-resident macrophage of the skin. These cells contain organelles called Birbeck granules. They are present in all layers of the epidermis and are most prominent in the stratum spinosum. They also occur in the ...

s in the epidermis.

Uses

Grenz rays are indicated for treatment of

eczema Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin, typically characterized by itchiness, redness and a rash. In cases of short duration, there may be small blisters, while in long-term cases the skin may become thickened. The area of skin involved can ...

psoriasis Psoriasis is a long-lasting, noncontagious autoimmune disease characterized by raised areas of abnormal skin. These areas are red, pink, or purple, dry, itchy, and scaly. Psoriasis varies in severity from small, localized patches to complete ...

, palmoplantar pustulosis, neurodermatitis,

pruritus ani Pruritus ani is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, causing the desire to scratch. The intensity of anal itching increases from moisture, pressure, and rubbing caused by clothing and sitting. At worst, anal ...

and

pruritus vulvae Pruritus vulvae is itchiness of the vulva, which is the counterpart of pruritus scroti, and may have many different causes. Patch testing may be used to diagnose the cause. Causes This condition is a symptom of an underlying condition more of ...

. They have been reported to be helpful for lichen planus, Grover's disease, Darier's disease,

Hailey–Hailey disease Hailey–Hailey disease, or familial benign chronic pemphigus or familial benign pemphigus, was originally described by the Hailey brothers (Hugh Edward and William Howard) in 1939. It is a genetic disorder that causes blisters to form on the skin. ...

Burge SM, Graham-Brown RAC: "Hailey-Hailey Disease" in Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies, 3rd Ed., edited by MG. Lebwohl, WR. Heymann, J. Berth-Jones, I. Coulson (Saunders Elsevier, 2010), pp. 287-288. and histiocytosis X. Grenz rays have also been used for treatment of

actinic keratosis Actinic keratosis (AK), sometimes called solar keratosis or senile keratosis, is a pre-cancerous area of thick, scaly, or crusty skin.Freedberg, et al. (2003). ''Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine''. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. . Actinic k ...

and

Bowen's disease Squamous-cell skin cancer, also known as cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma (cSCC), is one of the main types of skin cancer along with basal cell cancer and melanoma. It usually presents as a hard lump with a scaly top but can also form an ulcer. O ...

References

External links

Grenz Ray Therapy for Skin Disorders

Grenz Rays
{{DEFAULTSORT:Grenz Rays Dermatologic procedures X-rays

Uses

See also

References

External links