X-Ray treatment of carbuncles and furuncles (boils): a historical assessment

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.

Keywords: Carbuncle; dose–response; furuncle; inflammation; radiotherapy; x-rays.