Lotions

Lotions, or WASHES, are remedies, usually dilute, of a liquid, but not of an oily nature, which are applied to circumscribed portions of the surface of the body. The only preparations described under this name in the British Pharmacopœcia are the yellow and black mercurial lotions, used generally, particularly the latter, in cases of syphilitic origin. Innumerable lotions are used, however, for various conditions and different parts of the body. The most important groups are antiseptic, solutions of corrosive sublimate, carbolic acid, boracic acid, &c.; sedative, containing opium, belladonna, acetate of lead, &c.; stimulating, containing capsicum, sulphur, chloride or sulphate of zinc, &c.