Oil of copaiba, potassium acetate, oil of turpentine, oil of juniper, and other diuretics are valuable in some instances, and, while often failing, sometimes exert a rapid influence, especially in those cases in which the disease is extensive and inflammatory. Wine of antimony, given cautiously, is also sometimes of service in the acute inflammatory type in robust subjects.
Are such remedies as iron, quinine, nux vomica and cod-liver oil ever useful in psoriasis?
Yes. In debilitated subjects the administration of such remedies is at times attended with improvement in the cutaneous eruption.
What are the indications as regards the external measures?
Removal of the scales, and the use of soothing or stimulating applications, according to the individual case.
How are the scales removed?
In ordinary cases, either by warm, plain, or alkaline baths, or hot-water-and-soap washings; in those cases in which the scaling is abundant and adherent, washing with sapo viridis and hot water may be required. Baths of sal ammoniac, two to six ounces to the bath are also valuable in removing the scaliness. The tincture of green soap (tinctura saponis viridis) is especially valuable for cleansing purposes in psoriasis of the scalp. The hot vapor bath once or twice weekly is serviceable in keeping the scaliness in abeyance, and has, moreover, in some cases, a therapeutic value.
The frequency of the baths or washings will depend upon the rapidity with which the scales are reproduced.
Are soothing applications often demanded in psoriasis?
In exceptional cases; in those in which the disease is acute, markedly inflammatory and rapidly progressing, mild, soothing applications must be temporarily employed, such as plain or bran baths, with the use of some bland oil or ointment. As a rule, however, the conditions, when coming under observation, are such as to permit of stimulating applications from the start. The most efficient soothing applications are the mild lotions and ointments employed in eczema of acute type.