CHLOASMA.
The pigmented patches often seen on the upper part of the face of pregnant women and those suffering from uterine or ovarian troubles, which constitute the affection known as chloasma uterinum, usually disappear when the primary condition is removed and the skin is treated by Perchloride of Mercury or Permanganate solution, as in case of freckles. The allied affection known as Freckles or Ephelides caused by the deposi tion of pigment in the cells of the rete, usually in the exposed parts of the skin, may be dealt with in various ways by agents which destroy the film of epidermis. Ilebra's method was to apply a lint compress for four hours, soaked in Solution of Perchloride of Mercury (i in too), letting out the blister formed, and dressing the resulting raw surface with powdered Starch; or 8 grs. of the Mercurial Salt may be dissolved in 8 oz. of Almond Emulsion, and sponged over the spot several times daily till desquamation occurs. This plan obviously cannot be resorted to when the patches are extensive. Unna applies a plaster made with Hydrarg. Ammon. Chlor.
for 12 hours, and dresses afterwards with an ointment of Bismuth (f dr. to i oz.); sometimes his method of effecting exfoliation of the epidermis by applying an ointment of Resorcin x in io for a few hours at a time is very convenient. Strong Tincture of Iodine, Carbolic Acid, Sulphurous Acid, Peroxide of Hydrogen, Acetic Acid, and many other mild counter irritants are also successful. Crocker uses an ointment of to to 20 grs. of Veratrine to oz. Lard. Pringle uses Salicylic Acid either as a paste, plaster, or muslin, or saturated alcoholic solution.
Large patches may be dealt with by applying a strong solution of Pot. Permang. and washing off the discoloration by solution of Oxalic Acid, as practised for sterilisation of the hands before abdominal operations. Pre ventive measures will obviously lie in the use of tinted veils to intercept the direct rays of the sun. Excellent results may be obtained by exposure • to ultra-violet rays.