In those cases in which there is a positive cause, as, for instance, in symptomatic alopecia, the prognosis is, as a rule, favorable, especially if no family predisposition exists. In the congenital and senile varieties the condition is usually irremediable. In idiopathic premature alopecia, the prognosis should be extremely guarded. #How would you treat alopecia?# By removing or modifying the predisposing factors by appropriate constitutional remedies, and by the external use of stimulating applications. #Name several remedies or combinations usually employed in the local treatment.# Sulphur ointment, full strength or weakened with lard or vaseline; a lotion of resorcin consisting of one or two drachms to four ounces of alcohol, to which is added ten to thirty minims of castor oil; and a lotion made up as follows:-- [Rx] Tinct. cantharidis, .................. f[dram]iv Tinct. capsici, ...................... f[Oz]j Ol. ricini, .......................... f[dram]ss-f[dram]j Alcoholis, .... q. s. ad ............. f[Oz]iv. M. The following is sometimes beneficial:-- [Rx] Resorcin, ............................ gr. lxxx Quininae (alkaloid), .................. gr. xv Ol. ricini, .......................... [minim]v-[minim]xx Alcoholis, ........................... f[Oz]iv.--M. Another excellent formula is: [Rx] Resorcin, ............................ gr. lxxx-cxx Ac. carbolici cryst., ................ gr. xx Spts. myrciae, ........................ f[Oz]iv.--M. And also the various other stimulating applications employed in alopecia areata (_q. v._). Other measures of value are: Faradic electricity applied daily for five minutes with a metallic brush or comb; daily massage, with the object of loosening the skin and giving more freedom to cutaneous and subcutaneous circulation; and the application, two or three times weekly, of static electricity by means of the static crown electrode. (The application selected should be gently--not rubbing--applied daily or every second or third day, according to the case; if a lotion, moistening the parts with it; if an ointment, merely greasing the parts. Shampooing every one to three weeks, according to circumstances.) #Alopecia Areata.# (_Synonyms:_ Area Celsi; Alopecia Circumscripta.) #What do you understand by alopecia areata?# [Illustration: Fig. 37. Alopecia Areata.] Alopecia areata is an affection of the hairy system, in which occur one or more circumscribed, round or oval patches of complete baldness unattended by any marked alteration in the skin. #Upon what parts and at what age does the disease occur?# In the large majority of cases the disease is limited to the scalp; but it may invade other portions of the body, as the bearded region, eyebrows, eyelashes, and, in rare instances, the entire integument. It is most common between the ages of ten and forty.