It depends mainly upon the degree of inflammatory action; but the stage of the disease, the extent involved, and the ability of the patient to carry out the details of treatment, also have a bearing upon the selection of the plan to be advised.
What is to be said about the use of soap and water in eczema?
In acute and subacute conditions soap and water are to be employed, as a rule, as infrequently and as sparingly as possible, as the disease is often aggravated by their too free use. Washing is necessary, however, for cleanliness and occasionally, also, for the removal of the crusts. On the other hand, in chronic, sluggish types the use of soap and water frequently has a therapeutic value.
How often should remedial applications be made?
Usually twice daily, although in some case, and especially those of an acute type, applications should be made every few hours.
Mention several remedies or plans of treatment to be used in the acute or actively inflammatory cases.
Black wash and oxide-of-zinc ointment conjointly, the wash thoroughly dabbed on, allowed to dry, the parts gently smeared with ointment; or the ointment may be applied spread on lint as a plaster.
Boric-acid wash (15 grains to the ounce) and oxide-of-zinc ointment, applied in the same manner as the above.
A lotion containing calamine and zinc oxide, the sediment drying and coating over the affected surface:—
℞ Calaminæ,
Zinci oxidi, .................āā.................. ʒ ij-ʒ iij
Glycerinæ,
Alcoholis, ...................āā................. fʒss
Liq. calcis, .................................... f℥ij
Aquæ, .............. q.s. ... ad ................ f℥vj. M.