758 BULLOUS OR HERPETIC INFLAMMATIOXS. 



In herpes, as usually observed, the ordinary symptoms are 

 the occurrence of S23ots irregularly distributed over the trunk 

 of a circular form, upon which the hair is at first open and 

 staring, and from which it shortly falls, the denuded skin 

 exhibiting a slightly scaly condition, with numerous small 

 papules or vesicles closely packed together, which do not often 

 rupture, the fluid Avhich they contain being either absorbed or 

 desiccated. Over these spots there is but slight itching. For 

 the' first week they are disposed to extend, the hairs around 

 the margins appearing to die for want of proper nutrition, but 

 reappearing when the epidermic exfoliation is completed, 

 which it usually is in two or three weeks. Rarel}' during the 

 occurrence of these circumscribed eruptions is there constitu- 

 tional disturbance sufficient to attract attention. The form 

 recognised as Jterpe.n circinatus, both from the history of its 

 origin and nonspontaneity of cure, is most probably of parasitic 

 origin. 



Causation. — This, in all animals, is badly made out, and, as 

 with several other morbid conditions and activities, the rela- 

 tions of which to antecedent influences and agents is not 

 comprehended, has been laid to the charge of disturbed inner- 

 vation. No doubt, in human dermatology, there seems a 

 certain amount of evidence to connect this skin disease with 

 textural changes, sometimes observed in connection with nerve- 

 cords at their spinal origin or their termination. In the 

 horse, such evidence has not yet been forthcoming; but its 

 appearance in association with obvious disturbance of digestive 

 and assimilator}' functions and some febrile states, and its 

 dei)arture when these disturbing factors are removed, is so 

 far confirmatory of the intimate dependence of the one upon 

 the other, that Ave are disposed to regard it in our patient as 

 largely a condition symptomatic of some extensively operating 

 and depressing influence. 



Treatment. — Relieving that inflammatory or true herpes is 

 essentially self-limiting, and always exhibits a tendency to a 

 return of normal local functions, little in the way of treatment 

 is needed. Should irritation and itching be troublesome, an 

 alkaline wash with a little dilute prussic acid, tincture of 

 opium or digitalis will be found useful. Or should any tender- 

 ness be present, an application occasionally of zinc or lead 



