ECZEMA

is an inflammation of the skin accompanied by the coma of a serous fluid that stiffens linen, and by itching. term is popularly used for any inflammation of the skin. The causes of eczema probably vary in different cases, for as many as eighty different germs bave been isolated from the skin in cases of eczema, and it has not been determined which of them is the actual cause. Amongst the causes that promote the occurrence of eczema are (1) irritants a plied to the skin, 6.g., friction, heat, dried sweat, and Gerke, washing soda, soap and other chemicals; (2) poisons present in the blood supplied to the skin such as ocour in the subjects of gout, indigestion or nervous exhaustion; (3) deficient circulation in the skin due to varicose veins, garters, etc. The treatment is the removal of tho cause and the application to the affected skin of remedies which wary with the stage the eczema is in. Tho ag is too involved to be dealt with by any one but the oct or. The patient need have no fear that curing the eczema will injure his health. There is a prevalent myth that a weeping eczema is a safety valve by which impurities are Sakareed from the system. This idea, though very consoling to both doctor and patient when a chronic eczema defies all treatment, is none the le without foundation in fact. Another point we would émpbasise is that the eozematous skin should be washed in fran or barley water and never in soap and water. [Refer to Baths.) [s. 358]