ion of the hairs and the use of depilatories. As a
depilatory, a powder made up of two drachms of barium sulphide and three
drachms each of zinc oxide and starch, is commonly (and cautiously)
employed; at the time of application enough water is added to the powder
to make a paste, and it is then spread thinly upon the parts, allowed to
remain five to fifteen minutes, or until heat of skin or a burning
sensation is felt, washed off thoroughly, and a soothing ointment
applied. This preparation must be well prepared to be efficient.

#Describe the method of removal of superfluous hair by electrolysis.#

A fine needle in a suitable handle is attached to the _negative_ pole of
a _galvanic_ battery, introduced into the hair-follicle to the depth of
the papilla, and the circuit completed by the patient touching the
positive electrode; in several seconds slight blanching and frothing
usually appear at the point of insertion; a few seconds later the
current is broken by release of the positive electrode, and the needle
is then withdrawn. Sometimes a wheal-like elevation arises, remains
several minutes or hours, and then disappears; or occasionally, probably
from secondary infection, it develops into a pustule.

A strength of current of a half to two milliamperes is usually
sufficient; the time necessary for the destruction of the papilla
varying from several to thirty seconds.

#How are you to know if the papilla has been destroyed?#

The hair will readily come out with but little, if any, traction.

#What is the result if the current has been too strong or too long
continued?#

The follicle suppurates and a scar results.

#Why should contiguous hairs not be operated upon at the same sitting?#

In order that the chances of marked inflammatory action and scarring
(always possibilities) may be reduced to a minimum.

#In case of failure to destroy an individual papilla, should a second
attempt be made at the same sitting?#

As a rule not, in order to avoid the possibility of too much destructive
action, and consequent scarring.

#Can scarring always be prevented?#

In the average case, with skill and care, the use of an exceedingly fine
needle and the avoidance of too strong a current, _perceptible_ scarring
(scarring perceptible to the ordinary observer or at ordinary distance)
need rarely occur.

#What measures are to be advised for the irritation produced by the
operation?#

Hot-water applications