ated subjects. Calx sulphurata
in pill form, one-tenth to one-fourth grain four or five times daily, is
said, acts well in the pustular variety. In some instances, more
particularly in sluggish papular acne, arsenic, especially the sulphide
of arsenic, acts favorably. Upon the whole, the line of treatment
that keeps in view proper and healthy action of the gastro-intestinal
canal is the most successful.

[Illustration: Acne of back.]

In inflammatory cases occurring in robust individuals the following is
often of service:--

[Rx] Potassii acetat., .................... [dram]iv
Liq. potassae, ........................ f[dram]ij
Liq. ammonii acetat., .... q.s. ad ... f[Oz]iij. M.

SIG.--f[dram]j-f[dram]ij t.d., largely diluted.

#State the character of the local treatment in acne.#

This must vary somewhat with the local conditions. Cases which are acute
in character, in the sense that the lesions are markedly hyperaemic,
tender and painful, require milder applications, and in exceptional
instances soothing remedies are to be prescribed. As a rule, however,
stimulating applications may be employed from the start.

The remedies are, for obvious reasons, most conveniently applied at
bedtime.

#What preliminary measures are to be advised in ordinary acne cases?#

Washing the parts gently or vigorously, according to the irritability of
the skin, with warm water and soap; subsequently rinsing, and sponging
for several minutes with hot water, and rubbing dry with a soft towel;
after which the remedial application is made. In sluggish and
non-irritable cases sapo viridis or its tincture may often be
advantageously used in place of the ordinary toilet soap.

The blackheads, so far as practicable, are to be removed by pressure
with the fingers or with a suitable instrument (see Comedo), and the
superficial pustules punctured and the contents pressed out. Scraping
the affected parts with a blunt curette is a valuable measure, but is
temporarily disfiguring. As a rule, however, cases do just as well
without puncturing and scraping, and these methods sometimes leave
behind scarring.

#State the methods of external medication commonly employed.#

By ointments and lotions. If an ointment is used, it is to be thoroughly
rubbed in, in small quantity; if a lotion is employed, it is to be well
shaken, the parts freely dabbed with it for several minutes and then
allowed to dry on.

#State the o