Describe senile alopecia.
This is the baldness so frequently seen developing with advancing years, and may consist merely of a general thinning, or, more commonly, a general thinning with a more or less complete baldness of the temporal and anterior portion or of the vertex of the scalp.
What is the prognosis in the various varieties of alopecia?
In those cases in which there is a positive cause, as, for instance, in symptomatic alopecia, the prognosis is, as a rule, favorable, especially if no family predisposition exists. In the congenital and senile varieties the condition is usually irremediable. In idiopathic premature alopecia, the prognosis should be extremely guarded.
How would you treat alopecia?
By removing or modifying the predisposing factors by appropriate constitutional remedies, and by the external use of stimulating applications.
Name several remedies or combinations usually employed in the local treatment.
Sulphur ointment, full strength or weakened with lard or vaseline; a lotion of resorcin consisting of one or two drachms to four ounces of alcohol, to which is added ten to thirty minims of castor oil; and a lotion made up as follows:—
℞ Tinct. cantharidis, ............................. fʒiv
Tinct. capsici, ................................. f℥j
Ol. ricini, ..................................... fʒss-fʒj
Alcoholis, ................. q.s. ad. ........... f℥iv. M.
The following is sometimes beneficial:—