Effect of Radon-Containing Ointment on Cutaneous Lymph Flow and Minute Vessels of Skin

Summary and Conclusions

Evidence is presented suggesting that the effect of Radon ointment applied to the skin of men and animals is: (1) To produce active hyperemia. (2) To increase lymph formation and lymph flow without appreciably increasing capillary permeability to colloids. (3) It is suggested that the therapeutic effect of Radon ointment may be apparent in these cases where lymph flow is diminished, per- haps due to partial block. Evidence is offered suggesting that lymph flow is diminished in a limb that has, in the past, been exposed to excessive x-ray irradiation. Also, the result of treating acute lesions thought to represent partial lymphatic block following penicillin injections is described, with results that are suggestively good although the series is too small for absolute certainty.