The above may be made in any quantities,—­using drops, spoonfuls, etc.  Dress the parts in a thin gauze bandage, over which the melted preparation is painted.  I have given many different prescriptions, but those who treat skin diseases know that a great many are needed, for they act differently upon different persons.

Special Varieties of Eczema and what to do for them.—­

Eczema of Children.—­This is generally acute of the vesicular (watery) or vesicular pustular (pus forming) variety.  The parts commonly affected are the scalp and the face.

Physicians’ treatment for Eczema.—­Remove the causes, watch the feeding.  Keep the folds of the skin dry and free from friction.  To prevent scratching, masks must be applied to the scalp and face, or the hands must be tied in bad cases.  The local treatment is the same as above except the strength of the drugs used must be reduced in proper proportion.

Eczema of the Scalp, Milk Crust.—­Remove the crusts by soaking the scalp with some bland oil for twelve hours, followed by a shampoo, (the hair should be cut in children) then the lotions and thin ointment (see above) should be applied.

Eczema of the Face.—­A mask of soft linen with holes cut out for the eyes, mouth and nostrils may be used.

Eczema of the Scrotum.—­A well fitting suspensory should be worn, sponge the parts with very hot water and follow with the anti-itching lotion and dusting powders for the itching.

Eczema of the Hands in Adults.—­Keep the hands out of water as much as possible.  Dry them thoroughly and then anoint.  Greatly thickened patches may be softened by soap plasters or bathe the parts in ten or twenty per cent solutions of caustic potash and followed by a salve application.  The internal treatment must be given for the cause.

Diet in Eczema.—­Avoid salty foods, such as salted fish or pork and corned beef; greasy foods such as bacon and fried dishes; pastry and cheese.

[68 Mothers’ remedies]

Mothers’ remedies for Salt Rheum. 1.  Alum Wash and Cathartic for.—­“Use an astringent wash as alum, tablespoonful in pint of water, and keep bowels opened by cooling medicines, as cream tartar, rochelle salts, etc.”  The alum solution will be found very cooling and by keeping the bowels open you will carry off all the impurities thus cleansing the blood, which is one of the essential things to do in salt rheum.

2.  Salt Rheum, Ammonia and Camphor for.—­“Apply ammonia and camphor to the cracks.  Have used this successfully when everything else failed.”  Care should be taken not to have the ammonia too strong, as it may irritate the skin more.  If used properly, it is a good remedy.

3.  Salt Rheum, Cactus Leaf Cure for.—­“From one large cactus leaf take out the thorns, add one tablespoon of salt, three tablespoons lard, stew out slowly, and grease with this at night.  Remarks:—­This cured my hand that had been in an awful condition for years.”