DI3EASE8 OF THE SKIN AND HA1ES. 117 



by parasites. Baths, washing with soap and water, applying 

 water-dressing or a diluted solution of diacetate of lead, are 

 attended with great relief. If any acrid discharge is thrown 

 off, an alkaline lotion is invaluable, and relieves irritation 

 more readily than any other known remedy. 



Ointments of various kinds are used, and it is of the 

 highest importance that they should be fresh, and having the 

 least possible tendency to become rancid. The admixture of 

 powdered gum benjamin, with melted lard, to the extent of 

 ten grains to the ounce, has been found to prevent the 

 decomposition of ointments. 



Mr Wilson is a great advocate for a preparation which I 

 find of great use in inveterate cases of cracked heels, and 

 other inflammations of the skin. It is the benzoated oxide of 

 zinc ointment, which Mr Wilson says, if " properly prepared, 

 is the most perfect local application for all chronic inflam- 

 mations of the skin that is known. It is cleanly and agree,- 

 able, of a cream-white colour, not diffluent and oily, like 

 other ointments ; and it has a tendency to concrete upon the 

 skin, and constitute an artificial cuticle to an irritated and 

 denuded surface. It is rendered further acceptable to an 

 inflamed and heated skin by the addition of spirits of wine, 

 in the proportion of a drachm to the ounce, or, if preferred, 

 spirits of camphor. The mode of application of this and 

 other ointments is a matter for attention ; it should be gently 

 rubbed upon the eruption with the finger, or, if the diseased 

 skin be too tender, with a camel's hair brush, rubbed so as to 

 distribute it in a moderately thick layer over the whole of 

 the affected part, to introduce it into all the cracks and 

 hollows that may be present, and to insinuate it as much as 

 possible under any crusts that may have formed in the 

 disease. Once properly applied, it will loosen the crusts, 

 and prevent further crusts from collecting, while it serves the 



