Grenz Ray Therapy

This is a procedure that can be used in the treatment of some inflammatory skin conditions that have proved resistant to other therapies. These conditions include some forms of fingertip, nail and scalp psoriasis, hyperkeratotic hand eczema, lichen simplex chronicus and Hailey-Hailey disease. Grenz rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that are at the border between ultraviolet rays and X-rays, and share some of the biological properties of both. Grenz rays are relatively superficial in terms of penetration with a half- value depth of 0.6 mm (half of the dose administered reaches this depth) and negligible radiation reaches beneath 2 mm deep. Amongst other effects, grenz ray therapy reduces the number of Langerhans’ cells in the top layer of the skin, which results in less inflammation. Treatments are carried out at weekly intervals, for 4-10 treatments depending on results.
 
Operators must follow strict guidelines in compliance with the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000. The patients feel no discomfort during treatment. A side effect that is common with the treatment is tanning which fades with time. It is possible that grenz ray therapy may increase the chance of skin cancers occurring on treated areas, however, as long as the dose given is monitored, this risk is considered to be low.