#How is hypertrichosis to be treated?# For general hypertrichosis there is no remedy. Small hairy naevi may be excised, or, as also in the larger hairy moles, the hairs may be removed by electrolysis. On the faces of women, if the hairs are coarse or large, electrolysis constitutes the only satisfactory method; if the hairs are small and lanugo-like, the operation is not to be advised. It is somewhat painful, but never unbearable. In the past several years the _x_-ray has been advocated by several writers, but it requires usually numerous exposures pushed to the point of producing erythema; it is not without risk, and the hairs are said to return in some months. #What temporary methods are usually resorted to for the removal of superfluous hair?# Shaving, extraction of the hairs and the use of depilatories. As a depilatory, a powder made up of two drachms of barium sulphide and three drachms each of zinc oxide and starch, is commonly (and cautiously) employed; at the time of application enough water is added to the powder to make a paste, and it is then spread thinly upon the parts, allowed to remain five to fifteen minutes, or until heat of skin or a burning sensation is felt, washed off thoroughly, and a soothing ointment applied. This preparation must be well prepared to be efficient. #Describe the method of removal of superfluous hair by electrolysis.# A fine needle in a suitable handle is attached to the _negative_ pole of a _galvanic_ battery, introduced into the hair-follicle to the depth of the papilla, and the circuit completed by the patient touching the positive electrode; in several seconds slight blanching and frothing usually appear at the point of insertion; a few seconds later the current is broken by release of the positive electrode, and the needle is then withdrawn. Sometimes a wheal-like elevation arises, remains several minutes or hours, and then disappears; or occasionally, probably from secondary infection, it develops into a pustule. A strength of current of a half to two milliamperes is usually sufficient; the time necessary for the destruction of the papilla varying from several to thirty seconds. #How are you to know if the papilla has been destroyed?# The hair will readily come out with but little, if any, traction. #What is the result if the current has been too strong or too long continued?# The follicle suppurates and a scar results. #Why should contiguous hairs not be operated upon at the same sitting?# In order that the chances of marked inflammatory action and scarring (always possibilities) may be reduced to a minimum. #In case of failure to destroy an individual papilla, should a second attempt be made at the same sitting?# As a rule not, in order to avoid the possibility of too much destructive action, and consequent scarring. #Can scarring always be prevented?#