A handbook of local therapeutics / edited by Harrison Allen.

Date:
1893
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A handbook of local therapeutics / edited by Harrison Allen. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    457/554 (page 445)
    is much burning and itching. The following formula is useful: B. Pulv. camphorje, 3]; pulv. zinci oxidi, pulv. amyli, aa gss. M. The least degree of grittiness in the powders selected may cause irritation. In the form of sedimentary lotions, oxide of zinc has long been em- ployed alone or combined with other astringents and sedatives. The following are approved formulae for use in Acute Eczema, Dermatitis, Irritable Acne, and other Acute Inflammatory Conditions of the Skin: R. Pulv. zinci oxid., gij; glycerini, fgij; liquor plumbi, f^iss; aquse calcis, Oss. M.—R. Pulv. zinci oxidi, ^ij; pulv. zinci carb. pr^cip., §ss; glycerini, f^ij; aquse rosse, Oss. M. Pastes or pigments of oxide of zinc have been much employed of late years. The following combination, into which the oxide of zinc enters, is a particularly useful remedy in Eczema Rubrum, where the weeping is not excessive. Applications must be made for several successive days, without removal, of the following preparation : R. Pulv. zinci oxidi, gr. D ; pulv. acid, salicylici, ; acid, carbolici, 3j; mucilaginis acacise, gly- cerini, aa gr. cc-ccl. M. Among other kinds of pastes, which maybe employed are those recommended by Lussar, of which the ensuing recipe is an example: R. Acidi salicylici, gr. x ; pulv. zinci oxidi, amyli, aa ^ij; vaselini, ^iv. M. The salicylic acid is an incidental addition. This and similar pastes (ointments) are useful in hot weather, when fatty ointments disagree. This formula will be found a little stiff in cool weather. Oxide of zinc enters into the composition of a number of ointments. Of these the oxide of zinc ointment of the Pharmacopoeia is that most gener- ally known and most indiscriminately employed in the local treatment of diseases of the skin. It was first brought into use by the eminent English dermatologist, Erasmus Wilson. The slightest grittiness in oxide of zinc ointment should cause its rejection. Oxide of zinc enters also into the composition of several compound ointments which are of value in the treatment of diseases of the skin, and which may properly be noted in the present place. One of these is the following, recommended by Neumann in Seborrhcea and Pityriasis, where the skin is inflamed. (It need hardly be said that this and all ointments containing oxide of zinc are out of place on the scalp unless the hair is cut short.): R. Pulv. zinci oxidi, 3]; pulv. plumbi carbonat., 3j; spermaceti, §j; ol. olivse, q. s. M. Make a soft ointment. An excellent preparation is the following: R. Pulv. zinci oxidi, mellis, aa 9ij; cerse flavse, 3ij ; olei amygdalae, f3vj. M. In cold weather the ordinary oxide of zinc ointment may with advan- tage be made up with an equal part of cosmoline or vaseline. Oxide of zinc ointment forms the succedaneum to black wash in J. C. White's admirable treatment of acute eczema. (See Hydrarg. Chlor. Mite.)