Abstract
Grenz rays are electromagnetic waves (i.e., x-rays of very low energy and situated in the electromagnetic spectrum between UV and x-rays). This kind of x-ray is suitable for very superficial processes in the skin. This means that lesions up to a thickness of 1 mm can be irradiated. For these reasons, chronic dermatoses, precancerous lesions or superficial skin cancers can be treated. Since the introduction of this very superficial and low-energy treatment modality, Grenz rays have shown no serious side effects. Good indications for a Grenz ray treatment are psoriasis of the scalp and of the nails, chronic eczemas, disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis, Bowen‘s disease, Paget‘s disease, lentigo maligna, superficial basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. The only side effects are slight hypo-/hyper-pigmentation of the skin and it has to be noticed that there is no hair loss after Grenz ray treatment, and no side effects to deeper situated structures.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.