#How is lupus erythematosus to be treated?#

The general health is to be looked after and systemic treatment
prescribed, if indicated. As a rule, constitutional remedies exert
little, if any, influence, but exceptionally, cod-liver oil, arsenic,
phosphorus, salicin, quinine, or potassium iodide proves of service.

Locally, according to the case, soothing remedies, stimulating
applications and destruction of the growth by caustics or operative
measures are to be employed. (_Try the milder applications first._)

#Mention the stimulating applications commonly employed.#

Washing the parts energetically with tincture of sapo viridis, rinsing
and applying a soothing ointment, such as cold cream or vaseline.

A lotion containing zinc sulphate and potassium sulphuret thoroughly
dabbed on the parts morning and evening:--

[Rx] Zinci sulphatis,
Potassii sulphurati, .... [=a][=a] ... [dram]i-[dram]iv
Glycerinae, ........................... [minim]iv
Aquae, ................................ f[Oz]iv. M.

The calamine-and-zinc oxide lotion used in acute eczema is also often
extremely valuable.

Lotions of ichthyol and of resorcin, five to sixty grains to the ounce;
ichthyol in ointment, five- to twenty-per-cent. strength, is also
useful.

Painting the patches with pure carbolic acid; repeating a day or two
after the crusts have fallen off.

The continuous application of mercurial plaster.

Sulphur and tar ointments, officinal strength or weakened with lard, and
also the following:--

[Rx] Ol. cadini,
Alcoholis,
Saponis viridis, ..... [=a][=a] ...... [dram]iiss. M.

(This is to be rubbed in, in small quantity, once or twice daily, and
later a soothing remedy applied.)

In recent years both the _x_-ray and Finsen light have been used with
variable success. Repeated applications of the high-frequency current,
with the vacuum electrode, have also proved serviceable. Cautious
applications of liquid air or carbon dioxide have also been used with
some success in the past few years.

#When are destructive and operative measures justifiable?#

In obstinate, sluggish, and long-persistent patches, and then only after
other methods of treatment have failed. (Remember that a patch or
patches of the disease _may_ disappear in course of time spontaneously,
and occasionally _without leaving a scar_.)

#State the methods of treatment commonly used in obstinate, sluggish and