#What is to be said about the use of soap and water in eczema?#
In acute and subacute conditions soap and water are to be employed, as a rule, as infrequently and as sparingly as possible, as the disease is often aggravated by their too free use. Washing is necessary, however, for cleanliness and occasionally, also, for the removal of the crusts. On the other hand, in chronic, sluggish types the use of soap and water frequently has a therapeutic value.
#How often should remedial applications be made?#
Usually twice daily, although in some case, and especially those of an acute type, applications should be made every few hours.
#Mention several remedies or plans of treatment to be used in the acute or actively inflammatory cases.#
Black wash and oxide-of-zinc ointment conjointly, the wash thoroughly dabbed on, allowed to dry, the parts gently smeared with ointment; or the ointment may be applied spread on lint as a plaster.
Boric-acid wash (15 grains to the ounce) and oxide-of-zinc ointment, applied in the same manner as the above.
A lotion containing calamine and zinc oxide, the sediment drying and coating over the affected surface:--
[Rx] Calaminæ, Zinci oxidi, ... [=a][=a] ......... [dram]ij-[dram]iij Glycerinæ, Alcoholis, ..... [=a][=a] ......... f[dram]ss Liq. calcis, ...................... f[Oz]ij Aquæ, .......... q.s. ad .......... f[Oz]vj. M.
Another excellent lotion somewhat similar to the last, but of oily character, is made up of three drachms each of calamine and zinc oxide, one drachm of boric acid, ten to thirty drops of carbolic acid, and three ounces each of lime-water and oil of sweet almonds.
Carbolic-acid lotion, about two drachms to the pint of water, to which may be added two or three drachms each of glycerin and alcohol; or, if there is intense itching, carbolic acid may be added to the several washes already mentioned.
A lotion made of one or two drachms of liquor carbonis detergens[A] to four ounces of water.
The following wash, especially in the dry form of the disease:--
[Rx] Ac. borici, .......................... [dram]iv Ac. carbolici, ....................... [dram]j Glycerinæ, ........................... [dram]ij Alcoholis, ........................... [dram]ij Aquæ, ............. q.s. ad .......... Oj. M.