#

In those cases in which there is a positive cause, as, for instance, in
symptomatic alopecia, the prognosis is, as a rule, favorable, especially
if no family predisposition exists. In the congenital and senile
varieties the condition is usually irremediable. In idiopathic premature
alopecia, the prognosis should be extremely guarded.

#How would you treat alopecia?#

By removing or modifying the predisposing factors by appropriate
constitutional remedies, and by the external use of stimulating
applications.

#Name several remedies or combinations usually employed in the local
treatment.#

Sulphur ointment, full strength or weakened with lard or vaseline; a
lotion of resorcin consisting of one or two drachms to four ounces of
alcohol, to which is added ten to thirty minims of castor oil; and a
lotion made up as follows:--

[Rx] Tinct. cantharidis, .................. f[dram]iv
Tinct. capsici, ...................... f[Oz]j
Ol. ricini, .......................... f[dram]ss-f[dram]j
Alcoholis, .... q. s. ad ............. f[Oz]iv. M.

The following is sometimes beneficial:--

[Rx] Resorcin, ............................ gr. lxxx
Quininae (alkaloid), .................. gr. xv
Ol. ricini, .......................... [minim]v-[minim]xx
Alcoholis, ........................... f[Oz]iv.--M.

Another excellent formula is:

[Rx] Resorcin, ............................ gr. lxxx-cxx
Ac. carbolici cryst., ................ gr. xx
Spts. myrciae, ........................ f[Oz]iv.--M.

And also the various other stimulating applications employed in alopecia
areata (_q. v._).

Other measures of value are: Faradic electricity applied daily for five
minutes with a metallic brush or comb; daily massage, with the object of
loosening the skin and giving more freedom to cutaneous and subcutaneous
circulation; and the application, two or three times weekly, of static
electricity by means of the static crown electrode.

(The application selected should be gently--not rubbing--applied daily
or every second or third day, according to the case; if a lotion,
moistening the parts with it; if an ointment, merely greasing the parts.
Shampooing every one to three weeks, according to circumstances.)

#Alopecia Areata.#
(_Synonyms:_ Area Celsi; Alopecia Circumscripta.)

#What do you understand by alopecia areata?#

[Illust