The Treatment of Psoriasis with an Organic Sulphur Compound

Abstract

pared with hospital cases. Probably less than 10 per cent of private patients show any pigmentary deposit in the gingivae. I am convinced that tartar is the outstanding factor as the predisposing irritant resulting in the collection of pigment in the gum tissues. It is very diflicult to correlate the hydrogen sulphide theory as the important factor in the deposit of bismuth sulphide in the tissues especially where there is no break in the continuity of the overlying stratified squamous epithelium so that the actual reason for the deposit still remains somewhat obscure.THE nearest approach of any study to the present investigation is that of L. Bory1 who, in 1907, prepared a "glycerine-in-sulphur" compound which he used in many disorders, including two patients with psoriasis. Bory's preparation contained "besides sulphur in colloidal and dissolved states, traces of aeroleine, mercaptans and allylates". Small doses of this mixture were injected intragluteally and into the plaques of psoriasis, but the results were deemed too inconsequential to be published at that time. Later in 1917, '18 and '32, when colloidal sulphur began to assume greater importance in medicine, Bory cited his previous investigations, but revised his original formula to include not only sulphur in suspension but also guaiacol, eucalyptol and oil of sesame. This modification formed a true "colloid solution" which, according to Bory, when injected intramuscularly exerted a remarkable effect upon psoriasis.Of the various preparations of sulphur employed in medicine colloidal sulphur has seemed to be the most effective. Its efficiency is based upon the finely subdivided state of its particles which provides a vast surface area in proportion to the total mass. Colloidal sulphur is the closest approach to a true solution of sulphur that is of effective application thus far described.When injected intramuscularly the colloidal preparations cause leukocytosis and fever. When given intravenously it produces a rise in body temperature to 103 F. in from seven to ten hours that remains from thirty to forty hours. Thus, its usefulness in producing hyperpyrexia has been utilized in treating dementia praecox, general paresis, Wassermann-fast syphilis, paralyses and other disorders of nerve and mental origin.That the dermatological application of colloidal sulphur has certain limitations was shown by Miller2 who stated that its value for cutaneous conditions was limited to those disorders which had responded to other forms of sulphur therapy. Seborrhea, seborrheic dermatitis, *From the Clinic of Dermatology and Syphilology of the Boston Dispensary.