BENCA PASTA
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Benca's caustic paste, developed for treating simple lupus, contains pyrogallol, resorcinol, salicylic acid, gelanthi, and talc. It selectively destroys lupous infiltrates without damaging healthy tissue, though it may cause dermatitis.
Encyclopedia article (1928–1936)
BENCA PASTA (S. Voesk), proposed for the treatment of simple lupus, has the following composition: Pyrogalloli, Resorcini, Ac. salicylici aa 7.0; Gelanthi, Talc, pulverati aa 5.0. Instead of the patented gelanthi from the Hamburg firm Beiersdorf, ordinary glycerin ointment (Ung. glycerinatum) can be used. The paste is applied with a spatula to the affected area, and over it a layer of cotton is applied under a firm pressure bandage, which is kept on for approximately a week. This procedure is repeated several times. Having an elective action on lupous tissue, the paste "eats out" lupous infiltrates without destroying healthy tissue, on which it can only cause dermatitis requiring a temporary break in treatment. For the treatment of lupus on mucous membranes, the same author recommends the following paste: Resorcini, Talc, pulverati aa 20.0; Mucilag, Gummi arabici 10.0; Bals. peruviani 5.0. This paste is applied to the affected area 6-8 times a day. Like any chemical method of treating lupus, Benca's paste is inferior to any physical method of treating this dermatosis.
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Cite this page
“BENCA PASTA.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/benca-pasta/