constant application of lead plaster containing twenty per
cent. of ichthyol, are valuable.

[Illustration: Fig. 47. Double Curette.]

Of the milder methods, those most in vogue to-day are the _Finsen light_
and _x-ray_. Either proves extremely valuable in some cases, but the
Finsen method is the favorite method.

#What methods are commonly employed for the rapid removal or destruction
of lupus tissue?#

Cauterization, scarification, erasion and excision are variously
practised; the particular method depending, in great measure, upon the
extent of the disease, the part involved, and other circumstances.

#Name the several caustics, and state how they are employed.#

_Pyrogallic acid_, used as an ointment:--

[Rx] Ac. pyrogallici, ..................... [dram]ij
Emplast. plumbi, ..................... [dram]j
Cerat. resinsae, ...................... [dram]v. M.

It is applied for one or two weeks. Every several days the parts are
poulticed, the slough thus removed, and the ointment reapplied, and so
on until the diseased tissue has been destroyed. It is useful in those
cases in which a mild and comparatively painless caustic is advisable.
In most cases several repetitions of this plan are necessary.

_Arsenious acid_, employed as an ointment--

[Rx] Ac. arseniosi, ...................... gr. xx
Hydrarg. sulphid. rub., ............. gr. lx
Ungt. aquae rosae, .................... [Oz]i.--M.

It is painful but thorough; it is spread on lint and renewed daily. The
action is usually sufficient in three days, and the parts are then
poulticed until the slough comes away, after which a simple dressing is
employed. Its application is advisable for a small area only--not more
than four square inches--as absorption is possible.

_Galvano-cautery._--The diseased tissue is destroyed by numerous
punctures with a red-heated point or by linear incision with a
red-heated knife. It is often a practicable and satisfactory method. The
Paquelin cautery and liquid air and carbon dioxide also have their
advocates.

#Describe the operative measures employed in the removal of lupus tissue.#

_Linear Scarification._--The parts are thoroughly cross-tracked, cutting
through the diseased tissue, and subsequently a simple salicylated
ointment applied. The operation is repeated from time to time, and as a
result the new growth undergoes retrogressive changes, and cicatrization
takes place.