Treatment

The cure of t. capitis is by no means easy. Methods of treatment innumerable have been and are being proposed; but none are simpler or more effective than the treatment originally proposed by Bazin forty years ago. This consists in thorough epilation, combined with applications of a solution of bichloride. If the parasite is destroyed, the affection ceases; hence the first object is to secure destruction of the tricophyton. The spores, however, are deeply buried in the hair-follicle, and are not easily readied by lethal applications while the hairs are still in situ. The first thing to be done, then, is to remove them as thoroughly as possible with the aid of a properly constructed epilation forceps.

Attack the affected spot or spots with forceps, extracting every hair-stump possible. Many will break off; but do not leave a single one visible above the surface. Then thoroughly wash with a bichloride lotion, of the strength of one to three grains to the ounce. Apply this daily, unless it produois too much reaction, in which case dilute it, or omit for a few days. At the end of a week, again, with forceps in hand, repeat the epilation, as many of the broken hairs will have appeared above the surface. Extract as many of them as possible, and continue this treatment as long as necessary, which may perhaps be six weeks or six months, according to the extent of the disease, or the inelligence and care with which the treatment is carried out, remembering that patience and bichloride will succeed in the end.


Ringworm of the beard demands and will respond to the same treatment.

Ringworm of the non-hairy parts is a very readily curable affection. Sulphur ointment, any form of mercurial ointment, tincture of iodine, or chrysarobin dissolved in traumaticin. A few applications of either of these will promptly remove the trouble.

Ringworm of the crotch may be treated in a similar manner, without epilation—an excellent application being a solution of six or seven grains of chrysarobin in an ounce of traumaticin.