Treatment

The treatment of favus of the general surface is exceedingly simple. All that is necessary is to pick off the crusts and make a few applications of tincture of iodine, or other efficient parasiticide, to the affected patches.

When, however, the affection is located on the scalp, it is very difficult to cure. The primary indication is to destroy the parasite. As this fungus flourishes in the lowest depths of the hair follicles, ordinary applications made to the surface are not sufficient. It is necessary to attack the parasite in its stronghold, and this can only be done by first extracting, the hairs. These should be removed by properly constructed epilation forceps. After epilation a solution of corrosive sublimate, two grains to the ounce, should be rubbed in. This should be repeated daily until a considerable degree of irritation is produced. The artificial irritation should be sufficient to produce exfoliation of the epithelial lining of the follicle. If the affected surface is at all extensive, it is hardly practicable to epilate and mercurialize the whole of it at a single sitting; it should be done in sections. This treatment should be continued with as much regularity and thoroughness as circumstances will permit. In a few weeks the disease will appear to be cured; but in general this appearance is delusive, and treatment should not be relaxed simply because the disease is no longer visible on the surface. In all cases the patients should be kept under observation for several months after active treatment has been suspended.