DANGERS OF EXPOSURE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 2 June 1928, Page 17

DANGERS OF EXPOSURE.

The warning uttered by a Loudon County Council medical officer that the use of X-rays for improving the appearance involves the risk of cancer has caused ladies great anxiety. X-ray treatment for removing superfluous 'hair actually destroys the skin as well as the hair, and leaves the cells in a condition which may lead to cau--1 eer. Hence its danger. But women have since that warning appeared expressed nervousness about violet-ray treatment, which is absolutely harmless, and just acts as a tonic to the skin. .. It must, of i course, like, any other' s'cientiiic treatment, be done by an expert. Violet rays are of very great value in the treatment of couperose (little red veins. Electrolysis, which is not an X-ray method, is sometimes used for this condition, particularly if there are many veins, a's each has to bo treated separately, and it makes a long and expensive treatment, a's well as a painful one. Moreover, the veins return after three ya.rs. These little veins arc largely a matter of health. They are certainly aggravated by exposure’ to sun or wind, driving in an open - car without, protection, to the skin, or hunting under-the same conditions. If the, veins are net treated they become blue and the face l , flushes unpleasantly. The following simple treatment is slow, but. does improve the condition, and can easily be done at home: Apply hot fomentations of - cotton wool for about two minutes on the cheeks or wherever the veins are:, dry, then gently massage with a good cold cream, when possible stroking in the direction of the veins. The heat thins the blood, and massage helps the circulation. Wipe, not wash,,off the cream and dry with a soft towel ;thcn dab with the following lotion: Half a pint of ro'se water, to which a few datops of spirits of camphor have been added. People suffering from couperose Should always use warm water, and should never go into the wind without protecting the face, either by means of cosmetics or with a veil.