Oily seborrhoea.--Symptoms.--This appears most frequently upon the nose
and forehead and sometimes upon the scalp. The skin looks oily,
glistening, with the appearance of dust adhering to it. Small drops of oil
are seen to ooze out of the follicles and when wiped off it reforms at
once. The ducts of the follicles appear gaping or they are plugged with
black-heads (comedones). The hair is rendered unusually oily, when it
appears on the scalp, and it is especially noticeable on bald heads. It is
very common in the negro, almost natural or physiological.
Dry Seborrhoea.--This is a more common form and occurs upon the hairy or
non-hairy parts, but chiefly upon the scalp (dandruff). The affected
parts are covered with grayish, greasy scales, which are easily dislodged,
the skin underneath is oily and slate gray in color. This type of the
disease forms one type of dandruff. When it is of long standing the hair
becomes dry and falls out.
[84 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
Mixed type.--This type is common upon the scalp. The surface is covered,
more or less, with scales and crusts. If the disease continues long the
hair becomes dry, lusterless and falls out. Permanent baldness may result.
Causes.--These may be constitutional and local. "Green sickness"
(chlorosis), disorders of the stomach and bowels are often the cause.
Local.--Uncleanness, lack of care of the scalp, heavy and airtight hats
may cause it. Some writers claim parasites are the cause.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Dandruff, Home Preparation from New York State
Mother.--"Into one pint of water drop a lump of fresh quick-lime, the size
of a walnut; let it stand all night, pour off the clear liquid, strain,
and add one gill of the best vinegar, wash the roots of the hair with the
preparation. It is a good remedy and harmless."