468 DISEASES OF THE SKIN 



VARIETIES. 



Seborrhoeic eczema, based upon excessive seborrhoeic secretion 

 (Hydrosis oleosa). The Staphylococcus epidermidis albus may con- 

 tribute to the cause. 



Sweat eczema, based upon excessive secretion of sweat, acting as 

 a softening- and irritating agent to the skin. 



Follicular eczema, based upon an inflammatory condition of the 

 hair follicles, possibly of microbic origin. 



Nervous eczema, based upon reflex irritation of the skin after 

 nervous shock, mental strain, and after dentition. 



Most eczemas are of microbic origin, the organisms proliferating 

 when there is some slight abnormality of skin function, the process 

 then extending by auto-inoculation and reflex irritation. 



TREATMENT. 



The less drugging the better. Avoid arsenical preparations. 



In selected cases antimony (vinum), calomel and opium for nervous 

 cases are useful. 



When and where possible send to a cool climate. 



Locally, remove crusts and scales with weak solution of sodium 

 bicarbonate; relieve itching by warm solutions of boric acid, followed 

 by dry boric powder \\{{\\ starch ; protect from the air by creams and 

 salves; use sulphur for the seborrhoeic varieties. 



ERYSIPELAS. 



This form of streptococcal cellulitis and dermatitis is nut un- 

 common. Licj. ferri perchlor. fort, and Liq. arsenicalis internally with 

 ichthyol ointment externally will be found efficacious. 



In resistant cases diphtheritic anti-serum has proved useful. 



ERYTHEMA SOLARE. 



Europeans, during the early years of tropical open-air life, are 

 subject to tiiis erythema caused by the sun's violet rays. There is 

 some descjuamation and pigmentation. 



Vaseline is useful, but sensitive skins should be protected by sun 

 imibrellas as a troublesome dermatitis may ensue. 



ERYTHASMA. 



This consists of brownish red scaly patches in the genito-crural 

 region or elsewhere caused by the Microsporon minutissimum. 



Wash with soap and water, apply linamentum terebene ; later, 

 resorcin and salicylic ointments. 



GANGOSA. 



See article on Gangosa, section on " Diseases of Uncertain 

 .Etiology." 



