DISEASES OF THE SKIX. 141 



eruption to insure all affected parts are exposed; then crusts are to be 

 removed by soaking with oil or lard, after which the animal should be 

 thoroughly washed in strong soap suds. 



The local applications advised are numberless; among the more efficient 

 are the black wash, tincture of iodine, and balsam of peru. A very suc- 

 cessful method is to paint the spots well every two days for a week with 

 the tincture of iodine, applying several coats at each operation; on the 

 intervening days, and after the week has passed, a preparation of carbolic 

 acid grains twenty, oxide of zinc ointment one ounce, should be used. 



If the ringworm has existed a long time and the parts are infiltrated, the 

 oil of tar should be applied after the parasite has been destroyed, and may 

 be combined with glycerin, one part to three. Only a short time will be 

 needed to effect a cure. After exposure of an animal to the disease, from 

 one to two weeks is required for its development. 



ERYTHEMA. 



Erythema is an inflammation of the skin which appears either in the 

 form of superficially inflamed patches, pimples, or lumps called nodules. 



The accompanying symptoms are redness, some tenderness, and a slight 

 itching. The eruption may disappear spontaneously leaving no trace, or 

 the skin may burst, a watery discharge follow, and crusts form. 



All parts of the body are liable to be attacked, but the head and extrem- 

 ities are more commonly affected. 



Writers differ materially as to the cause of erythema ; it is generally 

 believed to be due to local influences, and to constitutional disturbances. 

 Unclean bedding, hair long and matted, retaining the decomposing excre- 

 tions from the skin, heat, cold, friction, and gastric irritation are exciting 

 influences. Erythema is a non-contagious affection. 



Treatment '.—If a cause can be determined it should be combatted; 

 cleanliness is one great essential ; the skin should be kept clean by fre- 

 quent bathing, after which the oxide of zinc should be applied, either in 

 powdered form or as an ointment. 



Matted hair should be removed by clipping, and appropriate treatment 

 is to be instituted if constitutional disturbances exist. 



Erysipelas. 



Erysipelas is an inflammation of the skin which tends to spread rapidly 

 over large surfaces, accompanied by severe constitutional symptoms. 

 The disease is assumed to be blood poisoning and may be caused by con- 



