PSORIASIS 



487 



Avoid warm and irritating clothing and close rooms; silk clothing 

 may be necessary. 



Apply spirit lotion to the skin; antiseptic baths; antiseptic dusting 

 powders, e.g., boric acid, zinc oxide and starch, equal parts. 



Calamine lotion is soothing. 



Keep the bowels active with salines. 



For spirit lotion use : — 



^ Acid, salicyl i drachm 



Spirit, rect. ... ... 8 ounces 



Followed by dusting as above. 



PSORIASIS. 



A chronic recurring, dry, patchy eruption of unknown origin, 

 occurring most frequently about the elbows and knees, characterized 

 by silvery scales. 



The general health is but slightly affected. 



It is usually seen in young adults. 



It is frequent among Europeans but rare among tropical races. 



Irritation of the skin should be avoided. Arsenic should be given 

 internally. Fowler's solution is most useful, 3 minims, t.d.s., 

 increased gradually when tolerated, to minims 10, t.d.s. 



Locally : Remove scales with salicylate acid spirit 6 per cent, and 

 treat when there is marked hyperjemia present with ung. hydrarg. 

 ammon. or chrysarobin, 10 to 20 grains to one ounce. 



PYOSIS PALMARIS. 



There are numerous discrete conical white pustules on the palms, 

 ■containing the ordinary pyogenic cocci, but not surrounded by any 

 marked inflammation. The cause is unknown, and treatment is not 

 •encouraging according to Castellani. 



SCABIES. 



Ten days or more after the female acarus (Scabiei hominis) has 

 .entered the skin a small vesicle appears usually between the fingers or 

 toes, occurring amongst dirty people and those working amongst such. 



There is much itching, especially at night; secondary infection is 

 ■common. 



Sulphur ointment, vigorously rubbed in every few hours for several 

 days, followed by an antiseptic bath, clears up the condition. 



The clothes should be boiled and sterilized. 



