ECZEMA. 289 
Itching is quite the most obstinate symptom in eczema, and requires ener- 
getic treatment. A very potent remedy with the writer is a mixture of Canada 
balsam and carbolic acid. The crystals of the latter should first be dissolved, 
and then added to an equal quantity of the balsam, — by measurement, — and, 
the whole warmed, that it may mix well. 
This preparation is to be used very sparingly; and to favor convenience it 
should be in a bottle having a wide neck. The danger from absorption of the 
carbolic acid is not great; but still it would never be wise to touch with it within 
a short time a spot larger than the palm of the hand, or several spots that would 
together be of greater size. 
Assuming that a dog has several small spots of eczema, or one spot not 
larger than the palm of the hand, if the hair is long it should be carefully drawn 
aside. The bottle should be inverted for a moment, and then turned upright 
again. That part of the cork to which the mixture has attached itself should 
be immediately pressed against the inflamed skin, or passed lightly over it, and 
at once there will appear a film or very thin whitish coating on the surface 
touched. Repeating this operation if necessary, and having thus treated the 
affected spot or spots, a powder, like starch or sulphur, should now be dusted on 
freely, and the hair laid down carefully, if the same is long, to be allowed to 
mat. 
When there are several large spots to be treated, after touching one there 
should be a delay of an hour or more before another is attacked. 
The effect of the balsam and carbolic acid is very pronounced, and in many 
instances only one application is required, the itching being entirely stopped; 
but now and then it returns after a few hours; if so, however, the mixture can 
be again applied, and but rarely will a third touching be needed. If this treat- 
ment be effectual, the matted hair ought not be disturbed for four or five days, 
when it should be well soaked with oil or lard, and gently bathed; and unless it 
is necessary to use the balsam and acid again, sulphur and lard, vaselin, or 
other simple ointment may be applied until a cure is complete. 
This preparation of balsam and carbolic acid recommends itself not only 
because it instantly stops itching, but for the reason that in many cases, if it is 
used early, the hair over the affected spot will not come out. Nor is it abso- 
lutely necessary to clip the same before an application is made; which fact is 
highly important when the season of bench shows is near. 
Scratching and biting certain spots are generally the first symptoms of 
eczema that attract attention. As they are quite as pronounced in sarcoptic 
mange and fleas, the troubles with which this disease is likely to be confounded, 
some study may be necessary to clearly determine their cause and the true 
nature of the attacks. 
When fleas excite those symptoms, the fact can be easily and speedily fixed. 
Although the skin may be torn and broken, it is not much inflamed, nor are 
