URINOUS ECZEMA. 693 



cine. At tlie first the bowels should be freely moved with 

 aloes, and the aperient action maintained by the daily adminis- 

 tration of sulphate of magnesia in about four ounce doses per 

 day, or in sufficient quantity to keep the faeces in a pultaceous 

 condition. By this method of treatment the congestion of the 

 kidneys and liver is relieved, and the chances of at least further 

 organic changes in these glands prevented. 



With regard to local treatment, it can be palliative only : 

 the diseased condition of the skin being secondary, and due to 

 the irritation of the products of its vicarious function, the parts 

 should be kept clean, and the irritation resulting from the 

 exposure of the raw surfaces kept at a minimum by suitable 

 dressing. 



Once a week, or oftener, if necessary, the whole surface of 

 the body should be dressed with an emulsion of olive oil, potash 

 and water, and containing creosote or carbolic acid ; this 

 dressing is to be washed off with soap and warm water in about 

 twenty- four hours after application, and the skin thoroughly 

 cleansed. Then dry dressings of carbolised chalk, iodoform and 

 chalk, or some other absorbent dressing, should be sprinkled 

 freely over the whole surface, but more particularly over the 

 flexures of the limbs and other excoriated spots. The diet should 

 be generous but not stimulating. If in season, green food only 

 should be given. 



