BARBER’S ITCHInfection of the skin of the face following irritation of an ingrown hair or the use of an infected razor, shaving brush or towels, by a common pus-forming germ called a staphylococcus. Some such infections are also related to ringworm contamination. Occasionally the trouble begins on the back of the neck, due to rubbing by a rough collar. Such infections are associated with bleeding and crusting. The condition is curable by the application of proper remedies, but control of such remedies- which are potent – must be left to the physician. Many states have laws regulating the sanitation of barber shops and the sterilization of implements following their use on each customer. The antibiotic drugs have proved most efficient in relieving barber’s itch but there is always the danger of sensitization to the antibiotic through its effect on the skin. The technical name for barber’s itch is sycosis which is not related to nor to be confused with the term psychosis, referring to a mental disturbance.*27/318/5*
Infection of the skin of the face following irritation of an ingrown hair or the use of an infected razor, shaving brush or towels, by a common pus-forming germ called a staphylococcus. Some such infections are also related to ringworm contamination. Occasionally the trouble begins on the back of the neck, due to rubbing by a rough collar. Such infections are associated with bleeding and crusting. The condition is curable by the application of proper remedies, but control of such remedies- which are potent – must be left to the physician. Many states have laws regulating the sanitation of barber shops and the sterilization of implements following their use on each customer. The antibiotic drugs have proved most efficient in relieving barber’s itch but there is always the danger of sensitization to the antibiotic through its effect on the skin. The technical name for barber’s itch is sycosis which is not related to nor to be confused with the term psychosis, referring to a mental disturbance.
*27/318/5*
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