As a rule, yes; but the strength must be modified. The scalp will stand strong applications, as will likewise the bearded region; upon non-hairy portions the remedies should be used somewhat weaker. They should be applied twice daily; ointments, if used, being well rubbed in, and lotions thoroughly dabbed on.
How would you treat ringworm of the general surface?
By applications of the milder parasiticides, such as a ten to fifteen per cent. solution of sodium hyposulphite; carbolic acid, five to thirty grains to the ounce of water, or lard; a saturated solution of boric acid; ointments of tar, sulphur and mercury, official strength or weakened with lard; and tincture of iodine, pure or diluted.
When occurring upon the upper and inner part of the thighs (so-called eczema marginatum), the same remedies are to be employed, but usually stronger. Deserving of special mention is a lotion of corrosive sublimate, one to four grains to the ounce; or the same remedy, in the same proportion, may be used in tincture of myrrh or benzoin, and painted on the parts.
How would you treat ringworm of the scalp?
By occasional soap-and-hot-water washing; by extraction of the involved hairs, when practicable; by carbolic acid or boric acid lotions to the whole scalp, so as to limit, as much as possible, the spread of the disease; and by daily (or twice daily) applications to the patches and involved areas of a parasiticide. The following are the most valuable: the oleate of mercury, with lard or lanolin, in varying strength, from ten to twenty per cent.; carbolic acid, with one to three or more parts of glycerine or oil; corrosive sublimate, in solution in alcohol and water, one to four grains to the ounce; sulphur ointment; and citrine ointment, with one or two parts of lard. Chrysarobin is a valuable remedy, but is to be employed with care; it may be prescribed as a rubber plaster, or in a solution of gutta-percha, or as an ointment, ten to fifteen per cent. strength. β-naphthol in ointment form, five to fifteen per cent. strength, is also useful. An excellent application for beginning areas on the scalp is a solution of the red iodide of mercury in iodine tincture, one to three grains to an ounce.
A compound ointment, containing several of the active remedies named, is convenient for dispensary practice, such as:—
℞ β-naphthol, ...................................... ʒss-ʒj
Ol. cadini, ...................................... ʒj
Ungt. sulphuris, ........................ q.s. ad. ℥j. M.
In that form known as tinea kerion mild applications are demanded at first; later the same treatment as in the ordinary type.
How is ringworm of the bearded region to be treated?