CUTANEOUS DISORDERS.—Resorcin has been used topically in skin affections of a subacute or chronic character, in lution or ointment varying in strength from 1 to 10 per cent. or more. It should be borne in mind that weak solutions (1 to 3 per cent.) harden the skin, while stronger ones (10 to 50 per cent.) macer ate and destroy it.
Following methods of using resorcin in alopecia recommended:— Resorcin, grains.
Quinine hydrochlorate, 3 grains. Pure vaselin, 1 ounce.
This is to be applied to that part of the scalp which is devoid of hair, or from which the hair is rapidly falling. Should this preparation produce much irritation of the scalp, an ointment com posed of 20 grains of borax to 100 of vaselin should be applied. Brocq (Prac titioner; Phila. Med. Jour., Apr. 22, '99).
Resorcin has been used with good ef fect in eczema with much induration and in psoriasis, for both of which the fol lowing formula may be used: Resorcin, oxide of zinc, of each, 1 drachm; rose water ointment, 10 drachms. After mix ing the ointment, heat it until the re sorcin crystals melt, to prevent irrita tion of the skin; to be applied locally twice daily.
In erythematous eczema resorcin in weak solution may be used to allay the itching; a solution of 10 or 15 grains to the ounce of water, a little salt being added to aid in its absorption by the skin, should be dabbed, not rubbed, on the parts, or the following may be used: Resorcin, 15 grains; glycerin, 10 minims; lime-water, 1 ounce; mix and use as the preceding (Hare).
In the abortive treatment of herpes Leloir employs the following solutions: Resorcin, 30 grains; hydrochlorate of cocaine, 8 to 30 grains; tannic acid, 90 grains; alcohol (90 per cent.), 3 ounces; mix and apply locally. Or: Resorcin, 30 grains; hydrochlorate of cocaine, 15 grains; extract of cannabis Indica, 2 drachms; spirit of peppermint, 2 V, drachms; alcohol (90 per cent.), 2 ounces. Mix.
In acne rosacea, Petrini obtained good results from the application of the follow ing, after the pustules had been opened: Resorcin, 15 grains; ichthyol, 30 grains; flexile collodion, 1 ounce. Mix.
In ringworm of the scalp and other parasitic disorders Julius Andeer used resorcin-soap (5 to 10 per cent.).
In the desquamative stage of scarla tina Jamieson used a resorcin-salicylic superfatted soap. In a series of cases washing the skin with this soap and warm water shortened the period of desquama Lion by two weeks.
For seborrhceic eczema Eddowes rec ommends: Resorcin, to 1 drachm; glycerin, 10 to 20 minims; vinegar of cantharides, 3 drachms; sweet-almond oil, 4 drachms; cologne spirits, 1 ounce; alcohol, 3 to 5 ounces; water, sufficient to make S ounces. This mixture forms
a pleasant local application and relieves the itching.
The beneficial influence of resorcin is most markedly apparent in eczemas, espe cially eczema seborrhceicum; when re sorcin is combined with alcohol, in the proportion of 2 drachms to 4 fluidounces, respectively, and applied thoroughly to the scalp by means of a dropper, the cure of this troublesome scalp affection will be thorough and satisfactory. C. H. Powell (Merck's Archives, Nov., '99).
In the treatment of extensive patches of tinea versicolor E. Bodin employs the following ointment: Resorcin and sali cylic acid, of each, 15 grains; precipi tated sulphur, 75 grains; lanolin, vaselin, and suet, of each, 6 drachms. Make up into an ointment.
In slowly-spreading epithelioma of the face Hartzell recommends the following plaster: Resorcin, 72 grains; yellow wax and powdered resin, 1 7., drachms; olive oil, a sufficient quantity to make a plas ter. Mario Luciani reports 2 cases of this disease cured by the following: Re sorcin, 2 drachms; petrolatum, 1 ounce. To be applied once a day to the ulcerated surface after previously cleans ing with a 2-per-cent. solution of borax.
Resorcin recommended in rodent ulcers, and also in the treatment of raw sur faces left after the removal of epitheli oma. Case of epithelioma treated in this manner with success. Blomfield (Brit. Med. Jour., June 2, 1900).
In chilblains C. Boeck advises the use of the following: Resorcin, ichthyol, and tannin, of each, 30 parts; water, 150 parts; this is to be shaken well and ap plied to the unbroken skin every night; it cannot be used when the skin is broken or the surface ulcerated.
The following solution will not blacken the hands: Resorcin, 60 parts; gum arabic, 38 parts; water, 115 parts; talc, 15 parts; apply every night; less effi cacious than the preceding one, but may be employed if the patient's work is such that he cannot use a substance which blackens his hands.
In chancroids, painful ulcers, and sup purating and sloughing wounds resorcin may be used externally in solution or ointment (1 to 10 per cent.) in injection or spray. Absorbent cotton and gauze may be medicated with resorcin for sur gical dressings.