George M. MacKEE

PHYSICAL THERAPY IN DERMATOLOGY: A BRIEF GENERAL OUTLINE: CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS

The specialty of dermatology has grown increasingly comprehensive during the past three decades. In addition to the clinical skill peculiar to dermatology, the successful practice of the specialty requires a knowledge of the basic medical sciences, practical experience in general medicine and surgery and clinical laboratory methods and a training in physical therapy. Ability to do experimental and laboratory research and ability to apply to clinical problems the various diagnostic and therapeutic methods make the thoroughly trained modern dermatologist more self-reliant than were his predecessors. Physical therapy has been an important factor in the evolution of practical dermatology. It has helped to broaden the field. For many years physical therapy enabled the dermatologist to obtain therapeutic results that could be obtained in no other way. This statement is also applicable to modern dermatology but to a lesser degree. Increased knowledge relative to the etiology and therapeutic requirements of many dermatoses

SOME MORE TRICHO CASES

To the Editor: —A few days ago I saw the following cases of x-ray sequelae caused by treatment at the Tricho Institute: Miss S. R. —This victim reported having received x-ray treatment at the Tricho Institute for superfluous hair of the face three years ago. She had twenty treatments, one treatment every second week. Her skin over the treated areas was erythematous several times during the course of treatment. The hair fell out and has not returned. Eighteen months ago telangiectasia began to appear and has been growing steadily worse. Atrophy was noticeable at about the same time and it, too, has been getting worse. One year ago a painful ulcer as large as a silver dollar developed over the left mandible. Cancer was suspected and a portion of the ulcer was removed, but, fortunately, no cancer was detected under the microscope. The ulcer was treated in various ways and