ECZEMA DUE TO FEEDING WITH POTATO PULP. 603 



length they remam normal. The condition is a consequence of dis- 

 turbance in the circulation and nutrition of the papilla and the root 

 of the hair. 



Finally, the congestive j)rocess extends to the sebaceous glands, 

 the secretion of which it modifies, and sets up seborrhoea, which is 

 responsible for the formation of the crusts and epidermic scales 

 above-mentioned. 



The pathogeny of the disease is difficult to explain, but the stages 

 in the clinical development are as follows : the skin undergoes re- 

 peated attacks of congestion, followed by seborrhoeic folliculitis, epider- 

 mitis and loss of hair. 



The diagnosis is easy, the absence of ringworm being proved by 

 the absence of the spores of trichophyton and by the non-contagious 

 character of the discharge. 



The prognosis is not grave from the point of view of general 

 health, the chief functions being perfectly regular, but it is otherwise 

 as regards j^ossible terminations, viz., partial or total loss of the coat, 

 which may be irremediable. 



Treatment. It is difficult to lay down a really satisfactory method 

 of treatment, because the exact cause of seborrhoea is still unknown. 

 As it is probably to be sought in some individual constitutional 

 peculiarity, the feeding and method of life should be changed and 

 the skin stimulated by washing with lukewarm water and soap and 

 by dry friction. Locally, if the alopecia threatens to be permanent 

 stimulating applications may be tried. These comprise lotions con- 

 taining alcohol, solutions of chloral, salicylate of soda, etc., and they 

 should be applied with smart friction. 



The sufferers should not be used for breeding purposes. 



ECZEMA DUE TO FEEDING WITH POTATO PULP. 



Among the forms of eczema due to toxins, several varieties may 

 be recognised. Some result from the administration of drugs such 

 as iodine, others from special forms of food. The only one of clinical 

 importance is that following the consumption of excessive quantities 

 of potato pulp. 



Causation. The disease is seen in all districts in which potatoes are 

 employed for the manufacture of alcohol and starch, more especially 

 in Germany. The disease seems to be a direct consequence of feeding 

 with residual products of distilleries and starch manufactories. 



Spinola states that 160 lbs. of potato refuse per day to 1,000 lbs. 

 of body weight would certainly produce eczema : 60 to 80 lbs. only 

 produce it in rare cases and 20 to 40 lbs. are harmless. 



