150 



CHAPTER IX. 



Non-Parasitic Skin Diseases. 



SIMPLE eczema ITCHY TAIL CRACKED HEELS AjMD GREASE MUD 



FEVER SURFEIT SCALY ECZEMA WARTS AND NjEVI HIDE- 

 BOUND ^LEUCODBRMA. 



Simple Eczema. 



Eczema is a non-contagious inflammation of the skin accom- 

 panied by an eruption of pimples that become filled with a 

 watery fluid (serum), which may escape or dry up, and leaves scabs 

 or scales on the skin. In the event of infection 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 wear- 

 ing 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 cases, its cause seems to be 

 constitutional ; in others, local. Though the disease is not para- 

 sitic in the first instance, secondary infection may play a very 

 important part in its development. 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 is very common during the hot weather and rains 

 in India ; the tail and the parts about it being, then, its favourite 

 seats. A somewhat similar affection, called " prickly heat," occurs 

 among persons residing in the tropics, especially when the climate 

 1:5 a damp one ; the presence of moisture in heated air prevents the 

 free evaporation of perspiration from the skin, and also en- 



