CHAPTER XV. 

 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



440. Eczema. An acute or chronic inflammatory disease of the 

 skin characterized by lesions of many forms and the presence of more 

 or less itching. In the Philippines it often assumes an aggravated 

 form and is improperly called "Dhobie itch." 



Causes. External irritants, as the accumulation and decomposi- 

 tion of dirt among the hairs ; constant dampness of the skin from rain, 

 washing or sweating, causing a softening of its outer layers and favor- 

 ing the growth of fungi and other vegetable parasites, and exposure 

 to the hot rays of the sun, especially when the skin is damp. It may 

 appear under the saddle, under the harness, or at any point where 

 chafing and sweating occur, and it may accompany digestive dis- 

 turbances and other debilitating diseases. 



Symptoms. The skin is reddened, pimpled, blistered, and some- 

 times cracked. The blisters break, their fluid escapes, dries and 

 forms scabs and crusts around the roots of the hairs which later fall 

 out. These lesions may be limited to certain regions or they may 

 cover the whole surface of the body. 



Treatment. When due to indigestion, give IJ-ounce dosee of 

 sodium bicarbonate twice a day in the drinking water. 



Clip the hair from the diseased parts. When scabs and crusts are 

 formed, soften them for 24 hours with creolin % ounce and olive oil 

 10 ounces. Wash off with warm water, soap and brush; then apply 

 creolin 1 ounce and olive oil 10 ounces once a day until the skin is 

 healthy. 



Regulate the diet and give tonics. Do not use the patients groom- 

 ing outfit, blanket, or bridle on other animals until they have been 

 disinfected. 



441. Scratches (cracked heels). An acute inflammation of 

 the skin of the legs, usually that of the posterior part of the pastern. 



Causes. Close, dirty stables; standing in dung, urine, and slush; 

 washing and insufficiently drying the legs, and allowing horses with 

 wet legs to stand in a draft. 



White legs are said to suffer more than others. This is not because 

 they are white, but because it is the white leg that gets the most 

 washing. 



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