. Diseases of children. en, both sexesbeing affected equally. In cases there is an of others there is evidently a neuropathic taint shown by a history ofshock, grief, anxiety, or fright, as, for instance, from a lightningstroke. Reflex irritability from injury to other parts of the body, defectiveteeth, and errors in refraction followed by severe headache, may alsobe responsible for this condition. Syphilis is regarded by someauthorities as the most important etiological factor. Epidemics of ALOPECIA 599 alopecia areata have suggested a parasitic element, but this ha
. Diseases of children. en, both sexesbeing affected equally. In cases there is an of others there is evidently a neuropathic taint shown by a history ofshock, grief, anxiety, or fright, as, for instance, from a lightningstroke. Reflex irritability from injury to other parts of the body, defectiveteeth, and errors in refraction followed by severe headache, may alsobe responsible for this condition. Syphilis is regarded by someauthorities as the most important etiological factor. Epidemics of ALOPECIA 599 alopecia areata have suggested a parasitic element, but this has notbeen supported by the isolation of any particular organism. Symptoms.—There are usually no symptoms preceding the appear-ance of an area of alopecia on the scalp. The spot appears suddenly,and the loss of hair is complete. The long hairs at the margin of thebald spot become loose, and the spot tends to grow larger, while otherspots appear. The whole scalp may become involved and completebaldness result (Fig. 61).. Fig. 61.—Alopecia areata. Diagnosis.—Alopecia areata must be differentiated from ringworm;but ringworm of the scalp rarely presents the perfectly bald patchesof areata, for fungi are present, and broken hairs are found over theaffected areas. Treatment.—Alopecia areata is very difficult to cure, and respondsbut slowly to external and internal medication. The general healthof the child should be built up, the nervous system quieted, and anyassociated disease treated. Tonics containing cod-liver oil, strychnin,and iron should be administered. Salt-water bathing is very beneficial. Stimulating antiparasitic remedies should be applied locally, andof these alcohol, resorcin, turpentine, cantharides, and sulphur orthe mercurials are, perhaps, the best. Hot compresses, used on theaffected areas daily, promote the circulation and favor the growthof new hair. No hope should be held out of cure in less than a year;but, unless the condition becomes general, recovery
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