Name several remedies or combinations employed in the external treatment of alopecia areata.
Ointments of tar and sulphur of varying strength; the various mercurial ointments; the tar oils, either pure or with alcohol; stimulating lotions, containing varying proportions, singly or in combination, of tincture of capsicum, tincture of cantharides, aqua ammoniæ, and oil of turpentine. The following is a safe formula, especially in dispensary and ignorant class practice:
℞ β-naphthol, ...................................... ʒss-ʒj
Ol. cadini, .................................... ʒj
Ungt. sulphuris, ................. q.s. ad. ...... ℥j M.
The cautious use of a five to twenty per cent. chrysarobin ointment is of value. Painting the patches with pure carbolic acid or trikresol every ten days or two weeks sometimes acts well; it should not be applied over large areas nor used in young children. Galvanization or faradization of the affected parts may also be employed, and with, occasionally, beneficial effect. Stimulation with the high-frequency current by means of the vacuum electrode is also of value. When practicable, the Finsen light can be applied with hope of benefit and cure.
Atrophia Pilorum Propria.
(Synonym: Atrophy of the Hair.)
What do you understand by atrophy of the hair?
An atrophic, brittle, dry condition of the hair, and which may be either symptomatic or idiopathic.
Describe the several conditions met with.
As a symptomatic affection, the dry, brittle condition of the hair met with in seborrhœa, in severe constitutional diseases, and in the various vegetable parasitic affections, may be referred to.