Essentials of Diseases of the Skin Part 3

Name the more actively contagious skin diseases.

Impetigo contagiosa, ringworm, favus, scabies and pediculosis; excluding the exanthemata, erysipelas, syphilis and certain rare and doubtful diseases.

[At the present time when most diseases are presumed to be due to bacteria or parasites the belief in contagiousness, under certain conditions, has considerably broadened.]

RAPIDITY OF CURE.

Is the rapid cure of a skin disease fraught with any danger to the patient?

No. It was formerly so considered, especially by the public and general profession, and the impression still holds to some extent, but it is not in accord with dermatological experience.

OINTMENT BASES.

Name the several fats in common use for ointment bases.

Lard, petrolatum (or cosmoline or vaseline), cold cream and lanolin.

State the relative advantages of these several bases.

_Lard_ is the best all-around base, possessing penetrating properties scarcely exceeded by any other fat.

_Petrolatum_ is also valuable, having little, if any, tendency to change; it is useful as a protective, but is lacking in its power of penetration.

_Cold Cream_ (ungt. aquae rosae) is soothing and cooling, and may often be used when other fatty applications disagree.

_Lanolin_ is said to surpa.s.s in its power of penetration all other bases, but this is not borne out by experience. It is an unsatisfactory base when used alone. It should be mixed with another base in about the proportion of 25% to 50%.

These several bases may, and often with advantage, be variously combined.

What is to be added to these several bases if a stiffer ointment is required?

Simple cerate, wax, spermaceti, or suet; or in some instances, a pulverulent substance, such as starch, boric acid, and zinc oxide.

CLa.s.s I.--DISORDERS OF THE GLANDS.

Hyperidrosis.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 6.

A normal sweat-gland, highly magnified. (_After Neumann._) _a_, Sweat-coil: _b_, sweat-duct; _c_, lumen of duct; _d_, connective-tissue capsule; _e_ and _f_, arterial trunk and capillaries.]

What is hyperidrosis?

Hyperidrosis is a functional disturbance of the sweat-glands, characterized by an increased production of sweat. This increase may be slight or excessive, local or general.

As a local affection, what parts are most commonly involved?

The hands, feet, especially the palmar and plantar surfaces, the axillae and the genitalia.

Describe the symptoms of the local forms of hyperidrosis.

The essential, and frequently the sole symptom, is more or less profuse sweating.

If the hands are the parts involved, they are noted to be wet, clammy and sometimes cold.

If involving the soles, the skin often becomes more or less macerated and sodden in appearance, and as a result of this maceration and continued irritation they may become inflamed, especially about the borders of the affected parts, and present a pinkish or pinkish-red color, having a violaceous tinge. The sweat undergoes change and becomes offensive.

Is hyperidrosis acute or chronic?

Usually chronic, although it may also occur as an acute affection.

What is the etiology of hyperidrosis?

Debility is commonly the cause in general hyperidrosis; the local forms are probably neurotic in origin.

What is the prognosis?

The disease is usually persistent and often rebellious to treatment; in many instances a permanent cure is possible, in others palliation.

Relapses are not uncommon.

What systemic remedies are employed in hyperidrosis?

Ergot, belladonna, gallic acid, mineral acids, and tonics.

Const.i.tutional treatment is rarely of benefit in the local forms of hyperidrosis, and external applications are seldom of service in general hyperidrosis. Precipitated sulphur, a teaspoonful twice daily, is also well spoken of, combined, if necessary, with an astringent.

What external remedies are employed in the local forms?

Astringent lotions of zinc sulphate, tannin and alum, applied several times daily, with or without the supplementary use of dusting-powders.

Weak solutions of formaldehyde, one to one hundred, are sometimes of value.