Phototherapy - Methods

Finsen explained that he began with natural sunlight modified through glass, but after realizing UV rays cannot pass through ordinary glass, he switched to quartz lens. He later moved to electric light devices, needing more concentrated and readily available rays at his disposal (Fig.11). Finsen also developed skin compressors, in order to compress the skin and tissues around the sore and remove blood from the area, which he discovered greatly facilitated the treatment by allowing the light to penetrate deeper. In figure eleven, the compressor is used on the cheek of the male patient in the left foreground; a nurse holds his head still so that the long tube of the machine can point directly at the compressed area, and both patient and nurse wear protective goggles to shield their eyes from the damaging UV rays.