Finally, if necessary, a microscopic examination of the crusts may be made.
State the method of examination for fungus.
A portion of the crust is moistened with liquor potassæ and examined with a power of three to five hundred diameters. The fungus, (achorion Schönleinii), consisting of mycelium and spores, is luxuriant and is readily detected.
State the prognosis of favus..
Upon the scalp, favus is extremely chronic and rebellious to treatment, and a cure in six to twelve months may be considered satisfactory; in neglected cases permanent baldness, atrophy, and scarring sooner or later result. Although favus of the scalp persists into adult life, it becomes less active and, finally, as a rule, gradually disappears, leaving behind scarred or atrophic bald areas.
Upon the general surface it usually responds readily to treatment, excepting favus of the nails, which is always obstinate.
How is favus of the scalp treated?
Treatment is entirely local and consists in keeping the parts free from crusts, in epilation and applications of a parasiticide.
The crusts are removed by oily applications and soap-and-water washings. The hair on and around the diseased parts is to be kept closely cut, and, when practicable, depilation, or extraction of the affected hairs, is advised; this latter is, in most cases, essential to a cure. Remedial applications—the so-called parasiticides—are, as a rule, to be made twice daily. If an ointment is used, it is to be thoroughly rubbed in; if a lotion, it is to be dabbed on for several minutes and allowed to soak in.
Name the most important parasiticides.