| Rx. | Adipis benz., | ounce j; |
| Glycerinæ, | drachm j; | |
| Ugt. petrolei, | ounce j. |
M. Ft. ugt.—Apply after bathing.
Or,
| Rx. | Potassii iodidi, | scruple j; |
| Glycerinæ, | drachm j; | |
| Adipis benz., Ol. bubuli, aa. | ounce ss. |
M. Ft. ugt.—Apply once daily.
Or any simple oil or salve may be substituted. In the more severe cases of the hystrix variety, in addition to the measures already described, it may be necessary to employ caustics, or even the knife, for the removal of the horny patches which form. For localized patches a 10 to 20 per cent. salicylic-acid plaster will be found useful. For the general scaliness the same drug in ointment form, 5 to 10 per cent., will prove of benefit.
Onychauxis.
Onychauxis (syn., onychogryphosis, hypertrophy of the nail) is seen as an idiopathic affection and also as a consequence or accompaniment of other diseases. The hypertrophy may consist in excessive length, width, thickness, or all combined. In addition to the increase in size, the nails may be abnormal as regards their shape, being twisted, conical or curved, their surface roughened, uneven or furrowed, and may also be attended with changes in color and consistence. If the hypertrophy increases the width to any marked extent, the parts encroached upon become irritated and inflamed, resulting in paronychia. At times the matrix may be the seat of inflammation, giving rise to structural changes in the nail-substance,—onychia. One, several, or all the nails, both of the fingers and toes, more frequently the latter, may be involved. Hypertrophy of the nail is met with in eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, leprosy and syphilis, and also as a result of the invasion of the vegetable parasites of tinea trichophytina and favus. The rare diseases lichen ruber and pityriasis rubra may also involve the nails. In syphilis infiltration of the matrix gives rise to the changes in the nail-substance. The nails in eczema and psoriasis are thickened and brittle, with an uneven surface. In some cases, especially those due to the vegetable parasites (onychomycosis) softening occurs.
Treatment depends upon the cause. Both constitutional and local means are in most cases employed. The nail should be softened and trimmed by means of the scissors or knife. Inflammation of the surrounding tissues is to be combated by the ordinary methods, and all sources of irritation avoided. Ingrowing nails should be cut transversely and not rounded, and the soft parts may be relieved of pressure and irritation by placing a piece of lint or cotton between the nail and skin-fold. In hypertrophy due to syphilis, psoriasis, and like diseases appropriate constitutional treatment is essential. In onychomycosis the parasiticides are to be applied.
Hypertrichosis.