[Roentgen therapy of dermatoses: indications and hazards].

Indications for radiotherapy of benign dermatoses have decreased markedly during the past decades. The remaining indications are reviewed. Side effects of ionizing radiation therapy are discussed in detail, with special emphasis on radiodermatitis and radiation cancer of the skin, mutagenic and genetic effects of x rays, and induction of carcinogenesis of interanl organs. Thyroid cancer is used as an example to discuss modern theories of radiocarcinogenesis and risk coefficients of various organ systems. Guide lines for radiotherapy of benign dermatoses are proposed.