790 VEGETABLE PARASITIC SKIX DISEASES. 



— and tliey have been very few — appeared as separate, distinct, 

 and minute spots where the siiperticial epithehal scales seemed 

 increasing in amount and easy of removal, having the pecu- 

 liarity of being arranged around individual hairs. As these 

 increased, a slightly elevated edge arose of a faint yellow 

 colour, as if developing in the follicle of the hair, which was 

 seen to maintain its position in the central, somewhat de- 

 pressed portion. At last, however, Avhen the separate specks of 

 the follicular invasion extended by coalescence, these seemed 

 to be broken off as in the tonsurant form ; they might have 

 shifted from the follicle instead of rupturing. 



Treatment of Tinea. — Both the forms of epiphytic skin 

 disease mentioned, whether we regard them as originating 

 from separate and distinct fungi, or as the result of the modified 

 growth of one, are only successfully combated when recognised 

 as essentially local affections, dependent for their existence 

 upon the life of a certain specific organism. 



All treatment for their eradication must proceed upon the 

 lines of first destroying the parasites; and second, of rendering 

 the soil in which they grow less fitted for their implantation 

 and development. 



The first is achieved through the application to the skin or 

 parts diseased of such agents — parasiticides — as will destroy 

 the vitaHty of the fungi. 



Previous, however, to the use of these agents, should a Avell- 

 marked scaly condition exist, it is advisable to have this re- 

 moved by soaking and washing with oleaginous, alkaline, or 

 soapy mixtures. Following this in well-established cases, there 

 is probably nothing better than a moderate painting with the 

 compound solution or weak tincture of iodine ; or a smart 

 cnunction with common iodine ointment, or a thorough satura- 

 tion with a solution of coi'rosive sublimate, two or four grains 

 to the ounce of water, to which has been added a little 

 glycerine. 



Following the use two or three times, or even less often, of 

 cither of these more active preparations, or when the disease is 

 less active or virulent, merely daily washing with a saturated 

 solution of hypo-sulphite of soda, to which has been added 

 half its volume of the B. P. solution of sulphurous acid, will be 

 found very serviceable. As much, however, depends upon the 



