150 



CHAPTER IX. 



Non-Parasitic Skin Diseases. 



simple eczema itchy tail cracked heels and grease mud fever 



surfeit— scaly eczema avarts and n^vi hidebound leu- 



CODERMA. 



Simple Eczema. 



We may define eczsma as a non-contagious inflammation of the 

 skin w^hich is accompanied by an eruption of jDimples that become 

 filled with a watery fluid (serum), which may escape or dry up, 

 and which leaves scabs or scales on the skin. In the event of in- 

 fection from putrefactive germs, pus (matter), instead of serum, 

 may be formed. The vesicles may be scattered, or collected into 

 groups of various forms. This disease appears to be brought on 

 by some influence which interferes with the healthy action of the 

 skin, such as checked perspiration ; errors in feeding ; irritation 

 from the wearing of woollen or dirty clothing, or from dirt being 

 allowed to accumulate on the skin ; want of grooming ; a " heated " 

 state of the system ; or by infection. In some oases, its cause 

 seems to be oonstitutional ; in others, local. " It is probable, 

 though the disease is not parasitic in the first instance, that 

 secondary infection may play a very important part in its 

 development" (Whitla). The root of the tail (p. 152) is often 

 the chief point of attack. The eruptions may extend over 

 any part of the body; the most common spots being the neck, 

 shoulders, flanks, insides of thighs, and root of tail. The scattered 

 form of eczema (lichen simplea) is very common during the hot 

 weather and rains in India ; the tail and the parts about it being, 

 then, its favourite seats. We find a somewhat similar affection, 

 called " prickly heat," among persons residing in the tropics, espe- 

 cially when the climate is a damp one ; for the presence of moisture 

 in heated air prevents the free evaporation of perspiration from the 



