Medical Question Corner by Dr. P. S. Bourdeau-Sisco

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 15, 1912

Medical Question Corner

By Dr. P. S. Bourdeau-Sisco

Answers by Dr. P. S. Bourdeau-Sisco, head lady physician of the Washington (D. C.) Sanitarium

Conjunctivitis

“I AM fifty years of age. My sight is falling fast. I have good glasses, but my eyes ache and smart most of the time. They are a little red in the corners. I use boric acid, salt in water, and witch-hazel in water, but they do not help them. What can I do to strengthen them?” MRS. C. R.”

TREATMENT.— The symptoms you mention suggest chronic conjunctivitis. For this condition boric acid may be used several times a day, full strength or one-half saturated solution. Salt solution may be used, but not stronger than one teaspoonful to a pint of water. A little yellow oxid of mercury ointment placed between the lids, followed by general massage of the eyeball, to smear it over the inside of the lids, is also beneficial. Of course, the causes are to be removed, such as exposure to smoke or dust, insufficient sleep, eye strain, etc. If relief is not obtained by these measures, you should consult a good eye specialist.

Alopecia

“I AM fifty-five years old. I would like advice for the falling out of my hair. Can you tell me how to keep it from coming out? Will you also tell me how to keep from catching cold?” “J. W. V.”

Very commonly, associated with the falling of the hair, is a scaling or crusting disease of the scalp, known as dandruff. This latter condition is often caused by the excessive use of tobacco; by chronic alcoholism, obstinate constipation, and disorders of digestion; by the wearing of stiff, heavy, ill-ventilated hats; by sedentary habits, etc.

TREATMENT.— These scaly accumulations should first be soaked with some oily fluid, as olive-oil, vaseline, cold-cream, glycerin, or cod-liver oil. This is applied several times during the day, and at night the head is wrapped about with a cap, so that the process of soaking will still progress. When the scalp is soft and tender, wash it with green or Sarg’s glycerin or tar soap and warm soft water. Thoroughly rinse and dry the hair, and then apply the following:—

1 dram resorcin 1 dram precipitate of sulphur 1 ounce rose-water

This latter treatment may be applied every night for several nights in succession; then the head should be thoroughly anointed and washed as before, and the lotion again applied. We must remember that this condition is one that is often very chronic and obstinate, therefore persistent treatment is absolutely necessary if a cure is desired.

With reference to the prevention of colds, send for the little booklet written by Dr. G. H. Heald, entitled “Colds; Their Cause, Prevention, and Cure.” This can be procured of the Review and Herald Publishing Association.