PART X. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



ECZEMA. 



Definition. — Eczema is a dermatitis accompanied by exu- 

 dation and itching involving the superficial layers of the 

 corium. 



Course. — In the course of the dermatitis there develop 

 erythema, papules, vesicles, and pustules, followed by 

 desquamation. 



Forms. — From a clinical standpoint, and depending largely 

 upon the pathological character of the dermatitis, the fol- 

 lowing forms of eczema are distinguished : 



(a) Erythematous eczema, an inflammatory congestion of 

 the skin. 



(b) Papulous eczema, characterized by nodules due to a 

 cellular infiltration and swelling of the papilla. 



(c) Vesicular eczema, consisting in the development of 

 circumscribed areas of serous exudation, or vesicles, beneath 

 the externa] layer of the skin. 



(d) Eczema madidans, red or weeping eczema, due to the 

 rupture of the vesicles from the patient biting and scratching 

 them. 



(e) Pustulous eczema, characterized by the appearance of 

 vesicles containing pus, or pustules. 



(/) Impetiginous eczema, originating from the rupture of 

 the pustules, causing the surface of the skin affected to be 

 covered with moist or dry pus. 



(g) Crustated eczema, crusts and scabs forming on the 

 skin from the drying of the exudate. 



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