Materia Medica de A a Z

CHRYSAROBINUM (chrysar)

Acts as a powerful irritant of the skin and used successfully in skin diseases especially in RINGWORM, PSORIASIS, herpes tonsurans, acne rosacea. Vesicular or squamous lesions, associated with foul smelling discharge and crust formation, tending to become confluent and to give the appearance of a single crust covering the entire area. (Bernstein.) VIOLENT ITCHING, thighs, legs and EARS. Dry, scaly eruption, especially around eyes and ears, scabs with pus underneath [Mez].

Eyes

Blepharitis, conjunctivitis keratitis. Intense photophobia. Optical hyperaesthesia.

Ears

Eczema behind ears. Filthy, scabby condition with tendency to form thick crust. Whole ear and surrounding tissue appears to be one scab.

Relationship

Chrysarobinum contains chrysophan, which is rapidly oxidized into chrysophanic acid. This is also contained in Rhubarb and Senna.

Dose

Locally, as a cerate, 4-8 grains to the ounce, of vaseline. Internally, third to sixth potency. Used externally; should be used with caution on account of its ability to produce inflammation.