The calamine-and-zinc oxide lotion used in acute eczema is also often extremely valuable.
Lotions of ichthyol and of resorcin, five to sixty grains to the ounce; ichthyol in ointment, five- to twenty-per-cent. strength, is also useful.
Painting the patches with pure carbolic acid; repeating a day or two after the crusts have fallen off.
The continuous application of mercurial plaster. Sulphur and tar ointments, officinal strength or weakened with lard, and also the following:—
℞ Ol. cadini,
Alcoholis,
Saponis viridis, ..................āā............. ʒiiss. M.
(This is to be rubbed in, in small quantity, once or twice daily, and later a soothing remedy applied.)
In recent years both the x-ray and Finsen light have been used with variable success. Repeated applications of the high-frequency current, with the vacuum electrode, have also proved serviceable. Cautious applications of liquid air or carbon dioxide have also been used with some success in the past few years.
When are destructive and operative measures justifiable?
In obstinate, sluggish, and long-persistent patches, and then only after other methods of treatment have failed. (Remember that a patch or patches of the disease may disappear in course of time spontaneously, and occasionally without leaving a scar.)
State the methods of treatment commonly used in obstinate, sluggish and persistent patches of lupus erythematosus.