Treatment

Lupus erythematosus may sometimes be cured by the induction of an artificial eruption produced by the action of irritants. This method, however, is not to be commended. It is much better to destroy it with an active caustic, provided the extent of the eruption does not contraindicate this method. When the lesion is quite small, excision may be practiced; or thorough scraping with the dermal curette, following by nitric acid, or the actual cautery. Lupus vulgaris demands the same treatment as the other form. In lupus exedens thorough removal with the knife of the diseased portions, including a portion of the surrounding apparently healthy tissue, is the better plan.

Dr. Mackay reports two cases of lupus healed after a few weeks of treatment by a twenty per cent, ointment of resorcin, applied after scarification. The application of resorcin was attended with but comparatively little pain.

Sulphurous acid, in the form of a lotion, or an oil, or in the gaseous state, has been employed as a remedial agent in lupus. The gaseous form may readily be obtained by burning in a jar, and allowing the fumes free contact with the surface to be treated. This can only be used upon parts removed from the respiratory organs. As a rule, two applications daily, each for about twenty minutes, will be found best. The lotion is best obtained by the use of the pharmacopoeical preparation of the acid, diluted in strengths of one in two, or in three. This can be applied to any part of the face without producing disagreeable effects. The oil is preferred by some, and is prepared by dissolving the anhydrous acid in castor or olive oil. Satisfactory results frequently follow this method of treatment.


Alveloz has lately been recommended as a local application for lupus and cancer. Cases have been reported where brilliant cures were effected by the use of the drug. I have had no opportunity of testing its virtues.

The application of ice will frequently relieve the severe pain that is sometimes the accompaniment of lupus; some authors claim curative effects from the use of ice.


Arsenicum alb. and Hydrocotyle, are the main internal remedies.

Others may be indicated as follows:
Aurum mur. - When starting from the nasal mucous membrane; a discharge from the nares very offensive; absorption of the bones of the nose; melancholia.
Cistus. - Lupus on the face; worse from cold air.
Graphites. - Lupus on the nose; obstruction of the nares; dry, cracked skin; every injury tends to ulceration.
Guarana. - Lupus of an ochre-red color, yellow spots on the temples.
Hepar. - Lupus on the elbows; ulcers with burning or stinging edges; nodosities on the head sore to the touch; swelling of the upper lip.
Hydrastis. - Ulcers on the legs; exfoliation of the skin; purulent discharge from the nostrils; faint, sinking feeling at the stomach.
Kali bichrom. - Ulcers painful to the touch; worse in cold weather; ulceration of the nasal septum; loss of appetite;  all the  secretions are  tenacious  and stringy.
Lycopod. - In recent case; hunger with constant feeling of satiety; arms and fingers go to sleep easily; purulent discharge from the ears; weakness of memory; melancholia.
Nitric ac. - Lupus on the nodules of the ears; offensive purulent discharge from the ears; dry, scaly skin; affections of the bones and glands; in dark complexions.
Oleum jec. ass. - A valuable remedy.
Staphysagria.—Ulcers on the alae of the nose; weary pains in the limbs as if bruised; teeth turn black and decay; in scrofulous subjects.