DT8KASES OF THE SKIN. 733 



Many preparations are recommended by pKysicians. such as 

 a solution of sulphate of copper, or of the nitrate,6f silver in 

 the proportions of seven grains to ten .ounces of ^vate^.;^ unguen- 

 tum picis ; an ointment of the cocculus indicus, 5i 'to 'Bii^* 

 adipis, ^i. ; niti-ate of mercury, ointment, a .solution of nitrous 

 acid, sulphureous acid, and a variety of .other remedies., The 

 application of the stick nitrate of silver; round the patches is 

 another favourite method tof treatment,^and when all these fail, 

 the hairs are removed singly^.'with.a pair^of forceps Cdenilatiou.) 



TDTEA TONSUKANS. 



Eing-worm is a common skin disease in the lower animals, and, 

 •unlike favus, is not confined to those ill cared for, hut is un- 

 equally seen amongst carriage-horses, hunters, and well-groomed 

 cattle, and is defined to be an affection implicating the hairs of 

 the skin, usually assuming a circular form. The hairs, becoming 

 dry and brittle, have a tendency to crack or break across and 

 fall off, leaving isolated patches of baldness, constituting what is 

 termed alopecia circumscripta. Tliis condition is more particularly 

 met with in the dog ; generally, however, an er}-theiaatous erup- 

 tion, accompanied by slight swelling of the skin and some 

 itchiness, manifests itself, and a fungus ultimately appears, which 

 had been developing between the true skin and epidermis. This 

 fungus has a wliitish appearance, and a powdery or fine bran-like 

 .aspect. It covers the epidermis between the hairs, and forms 

 around them a complete whitish sheath. The hairs break un- 

 evenly, become ragged at their ends, and have the appearance of 

 having been eaten through ; at the same time tlieir broken 

 .«tumps are much altered, bent, and twisted, and are lighter in 

 colour than the healthy hair. 



M. Bazin states that the parasite may de.9troy the hair-bulb 

 and the capsule of the hair follicle, give rise to the formation of 

 pus, and cause perfect baldness of the part. — (Axderson, Bazdt, 

 HiLLiER, AlTKEX.) This form of ring-worm differs from the vesi- 

 cxxlar form (Ixerpes circinatus) by the absence of vesicles, and by 

 the formation of scurf or scales around single hairs, or in patches 

 surrounding several hairs. Again, if a hair in the vesicular form 

 be pulled gently, the probability is that' it will come up by the 

 root, as in the case of a healthy hair, but in this form it will break 

 •ofif near the skin, or within its follicle. . 



