Ointments

The ointments most in vogue are the unguentum zinci oxidi, ung. hydrargyri ammoniati, ung. picis liquidi, and ointments containing carbolic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcin. Of these the zinc ointment is probably inert so far as any direct medicinal effect is concerned. It is simply a protective, and as such serves an admirable purpose, especially in cases of extensive disease, where it would be neither safe nor prudent to employ the mercurial preparations. The addition of a little belladonna increases its sedative effects.

Unguentum hydrargyri ammoniati, either alone or with theaddition of a little stramonium, is much more effective as a curative agent than zinc ointment, but must be used with a certain amount of discretion, and should not be applied to a very extensive surface, lest salivation should occur. In some cases it irritates and should be abandoned, and in a few instances I have known it to excite an intense dermatitis.

Ointments containing from four to ten grains of carbolic acid to the ounce are sometimes of service for the relief of the distressing pruritus.


The following makes an excellent application for the intense itching:
The second stage of eczema with exudation and crusting is the period when the above mentioned ointments are of the most service. After removal of all crusts, and careful drying of the surface, the ointments may be smeared on the parts, or applied on muslin and bound on. The salve-muslins introduced by Dr. Unna, which consist of a loosely woven fabric thickly impregnated with the ointment, are exceedingly convenient when a fixed dressing is desired. The plaster-muslins of Unna have a firmer consistence, and are more generally useful than the salve-muslins. Similar dressings have been placed on the market, and fully meet all requirements.


The frequency of the application or of the dressing will depend in great measure on the amount of discharge. Sometimes the applications will require renewal night and morning, and sometimes but once in twenty-four hours. As a rule the parts should be disturbed as little as possible, and the dressings removed only when necessary.

Unguentum picis liquidi and ointments containing oleum cadinum, oleum rusci, and similar empyreumatic substances,  play quite  a different part in the treatment of eczema. They should never be used in the first or second stage of the disease, or when acute conditions are present. In the third stage, however, where the skin presents a dry and scaly surface, covered with newly but imperfectly formed epithelium, and especially if the affection is indolent, these preparations are of the greatest service.

In inveterate cases, oil of white birch may be used in the form of an ointment, one-half to two drachms to the ounce of vaseline.