Another remedy of value in these cases, as well as in others of more or less limited nature, is the x-ray. Exposures every few days, of short duration and 4 to 10 inches distance, with medium vacuum tube. This method has served me well in occasional cases; caution is necessary, and it should not be pushed further than the production of the mildest reaction. The repeated application of a high-frequency current, by means of the vacuum electrodes, is a safer and sometimes an equally beneficial method.
Is there any method of treating eczema with fixed dressings?
Several plans have been advised from time to time; some are costly, and some require too great attention to details, and are therefore impracticable for general employment. The following are those in more common use:—
The gelatin dressing, as originally ordered, is made by melting over a water-bath one part of gelatin in two parts of water—quickly painting it over the diseased area; it dries rapidly, and to prevent cracking glycerine is brushed over the surface. Or the glycerine may be incorporated with the gelatin and water in the following proportion: glycerine, one part; gelatin, four parts, and water eight parts. Medicinal substances may be incorporated with the gelatin mixture.
A good formula is the following:—
℞ Gelatin, ......................................... ℥j
Zinci oxidi, ..................................... ℥ss
Glycerini, ....................................... ℥iss
Aquæ, ............................................ ℥ii-℥iij.
This should be prepared over a water-bath, and two per cent. ichthyol added. A thin gauze bandage can be applied to the parts over which this dressing is painted, before it is completely dry; it makes a comfortable fixed dressing and may remain on several days.
Plaster-mull and gutta-percha plaster. The plaster-mull, consisting of muslin incorporated with a layer of stiff ointment, and the gutta-percha plaster, consisting of muslin faced with a thin layer of India-rubber, the medication being spread upon the rubber coating.
Rubber plasters. These are medicated with the various drugs used in the external treatment of skin diseases, and are often of service in chronic patches.
Two new excipients for fixed dressings have recently been introduced—bassorin and plasment; the former is made from gum tragacanth, and the latter from Irish moss.