DANDRIFF (Seborrhoea Capitis).
The scalp must be thoroughly cleansed and all scales removed before iny treatment is started. The best cleansing agent is Borax, which Should be applied as a soap is used and rubbed into the skin with water, raising a lather. A solution of green soap in alcohol is also used, but what •2yer cleanser is employed it should be thoroughly washed off the scalp and from the hair by changing the water two or three times. The washing operation should be repeated every fourth or sixth day according to the severity of the case; between the washings the scalp may be cleaned by the application of Benzine, which effectually removes all crusts.
Dandruff is of a parasitic origin, and hence the basis of all modern treat ment consists in the application of germ-destroying agents, though in mild cases the old method of applying any bland oil to the scalp was also bene ficial, probably by inhibiting the growth of the morococcus organism in the very dry form of the disease.
Sulphur is the most reliable routine antiparasitic agent, since it can be fearlessly used owing to its freedom from danger. Vidal recommended the following pomade: Sulphur. Pracip. 5iij.
Olei Theobromatis 3v. Olei Ricini Six.
Acid. Salicylic. is less unsightly and more cleanly. At least 20 grs. to i oz. vaseline should be used, and this may with advantage be combined with an equal amount of sulphur, the ointment being well rubbed with a piece of flannel into the scalp. It is a good plan to occasionally use a spirituoussolution of the acid (4 per cent.) for cleansing purposes when the ointment cakes upon the skin, and Walker adds 4-12 per cent. of castor oil and uses the solution as a spray.
The disease often ends in alopecia, and during the later stages of the seborrhoea treatment the remedies for alopecia may be combined with the antiparasitic agents. (See under Baldness.) For seborrhoea attacking other parts of the body the Sulphur and Sali cylic Acid ointment should be applied in about 2 per cent. strength or preferably used as a lotion.
Vaccine treatment should be resorted to in inveterate cases, and Towle's local method of using a fluid ointment containing _too million staphylo coccic and moo million acne vaccine in moo c.c. cold cream promises to be an advance.