TREATMENT OF ECZEMATOUS ERUPTIONS. 681 



self. To tlie parts that have already been made raw, a mixture 

 of acetate of lead and olive oil may be applied with advantage. 



The local applications to the impetiginous form of eczema 

 differ somewhat from the above, and consist of fomentations 

 and poultices, succeeded by mild, and afterwards by strong, 

 astringents. 



A very useful application to greasy and cracked heels is 

 found in the oxide of zinc ointment. The benzoated oxide of 

 zinc ointment is recommended by Erasmus Wilsop. as the 

 most perfect local application for all chronic inflammations of 

 the skin. 



Professor Dick, who was very successful in tlie treatment of 

 grease, recommends that the legs should, in the early stages, be 

 washed twice a day with soap and water, and a solution of 

 sugar of lead and sulphate of zinc applied. " This," says the 

 Professor, " may not be chemically scientific, but I have found 

 it superior to anything else. When grapes abound, powdered 

 sulpliate of zinc should be introduced among them, which is 

 found often to supersede the application of the actual or other 

 cauteries ; and, in like manner, strong washes with diluted 

 sulphuric and nitric acids prove not less efficient." 



I have found it necessary in many cases to remove the grapes 

 with the actual cautery, more especially when very numerous ; 

 and for this purpose two blacksmiths' fire-shovels are the best 

 instruments ; one to be made sharp at its edge, and heated 

 to a red heat, to remove the excrescences ; the other kept cold, 

 and placed between the skin and hot shovel, to prevent undue 

 burning. In this manner I have removed many scores of these 

 excrescences in a few minutes ; whereas, if they had been 

 destroyed by caustics, such as the sulphate of zinc, corrosive 

 sublimate, or the strong acids, the destruction must have 

 been effected by slow degrees, or deep and extensive slough- 

 ings of the skin and subcutaneous tissues would have occurred. 

 When, however, the grapes are few in number, their points 

 may be carefully dressed with the sulphate of zinc or cor- 

 rosive sublimate, care being taken that the applications be not 

 too extensive. 



The fcetor of the discharge of grease, either in its acute or 

 chronic form, is much modified by carbolic acid. In the acute 

 stage, a little of the pure acid is to be added to the lead or zino 



