case of extensive and dark-hued patches it is superior to any other plan of treatment, even if it is not productive of the speedy and brilliant result which might be desired. The object of this method of treatment is to cover the dark-red skin with minute punctate cicatrices, which will at least lessen the conspicuous character of the mark, if it does not remove it entirely. To remove a red birthmark and leave a perfectly normal skin is an impossibility. In cases where the color is not
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Fig. 34.—Nævus tuberosus.
very deep a good result may be obtained by dotting the surface with minute drops of nitric acid, great care being taken that these do not spread or run together and in this way produce ulceration and subsequent pitted or raised cicatrices.
In the tuberose variety of nævus, where red tumors suggestive of a strawberry, cherry, or flattened tomato are to be removed, a resulting cicatrix is unavoidable, and either acids, electrolysis, or the platinum cautery may be advantageously used. The size and disfiguring character of the scar which is
