Eczema of the scalp in adults

Eczema of the scalp in adults presents itself more frequently in a subacute than an acute condition, and very commonly in the dry and scaly stage, the patient com­plaining of a certain amount of irritation and an excessive formation of dandruff. If the same condition should be present on the non-hairy parts, tar would be thought of as a remedy. This, however, is practically impossible on the scalp, except for those who are able to abandon social and business pursuits. As a substitute for tar Dr. Piffard recom­mends the following mixture as equally efficacious, and at the same time free from the objectionable features of the other.

In this preparation the salicylic acid is designed to restrict the formation of scale, the eucalyptus to act as a stimulant, and the castor oil to correct the drying effect of the latter. The best way to apply it is from a small oil can. The hairs having been separated, a few drops are applied directly to the scalp and gently rubbed in with the finger. All the affected portions are gone over in this way. To make the application in the most thorough manner the patient will, of course, need assistance. If care be taken, only so much oil as may be necessary is applied to the scalp, and the hairs, except near the surface of the scalp, do not become disagreeably impregnated with it. This application should at first be made daily; but at the expiration of a week the intervals may usually be lengthened. If at any time the condition should revert to the second stage, with exudation and crusting, the oil must be discontinued, and white precipitate or zinc ointment substituted. Although I have devoted considerable space to the local treat­ment, I do not wish it understood that this is the most im­portant; it is simply one of the means to effect a cure. The internal, constitutional treatment is, by far, the more im­portant; they must go hand in hand to procure the best results.