Treatment

The removal of superfluous hair may be accomplished by shaving, epilation, depilation, bleaching and electrolysis; of these agents electrolysis is far the preferable. This is easily done by introducing a fine, needle-shaped electrode into the papilla and connecting it with a galvanic battery. Any acid battery of from four to eighteen cells will be sufficient. The positive electrode is taken in the hand. From 25 to 50 hairs may be removed at one sitting, being careful not to remove hairs near together.

In the case of total loss, much good may oftentimes be done. In the first place, all syphilitic taints require treatment. Then debility of all kinds must be removed. In the cases which occur from a failure of the reproductive function of hair-forming apparatus, local stimulation is necessary whenever any downy hairs are visible; if these be absent, the scalp atrophied from disease, and white and shining, little good will be done. If there be oedema, or any tension, though the follicles are distinct, tincture of iodine applied over diseased parts every two or three days is of service. Shaving the downy-haired scalp is also beneficial.