PREVENTION, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT gj 



papules, vesicles and pustules form. These, however, usually escape 

 detection and we observe scabs and crusts, with loss of hair in 

 patches, or areas of weeping or suppurating skin with the hair 

 glued together or fallen out. Then, lastly, a chronic stage is found, 

 in which the skin is much thickened, shiny and scaly, with hair 

 thinned or fallen, and pruritus. 



Drug treatment consists in the use of soothing remedies in the 

 acute stage ; astringent, drying and protective agents in the exuda- 

 tive stage ; and stimulant applications in the chronic form. 



Water is generally prejudicial in the treatment of eczema ex- 

 cept to remove scabs and crusts. These must always be gotten rid 

 of before making any application. This is accomplished by apply- 

 ing sweet oil, and after soaking for 12 hours the parts are washed 

 off with castile soap and warm water, or — in chronic cases — sham- 

 pooing of the skin with green soap and water is very beneficial. 

 The hair should be cut in chronic cases and where discharge is 

 profuse. The use of a muzzle and of bandaging is necessary to 

 prevent irritation from scratching, biting and rubbing, and to avoid 

 licking off of the medication. Drugs of a poisonous nature must 

 be avoided. 



In the acute stage the application of sweet oil and lime water, 

 equal parts, is serviceable. Sopping the parts with calamine lotion 

 (3$ calaminae, 3i; zinci oxidi, gss; glycerin, §i; aquae ad giv) is 

 also of value. 



In the exudative stage zinc oxide ointment is one of the most 

 commonly useful remedies. If the parts are first sopped with black 

 wash (calomel, 3i; lime water, 1 pint) and permitted to dry before 

 applying the zinc ointment, the result is more satisfactory. In 

 weeping patches, silver nitrate in 2 to 6 per cent, solution is a 

 valuable remedy when painted over the moist surface. Suppurating 

 areas should be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide before the silver 

 nitrate is applied. Afterwards astringents are indicated, as dusting 

 powders — (IJ bismuth subgallatis, §i, amyli, §i; or ^ zinc oxidi, 



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