The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1916-06-30
TOCure
Skin Diseases
OF the Baby
BY DIR. L. X. HIRSHBERG.

- CZEMA in It's Infinite variety In n
- name that Is used to cover a
multitude of sins-sins not always
OF the victim, but rather OF the
absence OF complete medical knowledge
and It's application.
Time was when eczema and other af-
fections OF the skin were glibiy as
cribed to ''scrofula.' "leprosy" and
uric acid diathesis." some whose
opinions are founded upon ancient as
scrtions still hold stoutly to this doc
trine.
BE this as II may. eczemas are not
always wholly dependent upon any
single Internal or external factor. rat.
healthy-looking infants--the over-fed
sort-are at times the first ones to have
eczema OF the scalp, the face. behind the
ears and elsewhere.
The use of fluids that irritate the skin,
hard water, sharp Winds dry air, cold
and heat, strong soaps or dirt may all
excite the delicate skin or an infant to
the point OF such eru.)tions. Commonly,
however, there is also internal suscepu-
biity from too much sugar, sweet, rich,
and greasy milks and artificial foods.
To be sure. mothers who are too over
worked to keep their children scrupul-
ously clean, can still be held account.
able for these dermal maiadies Irrita-
ton from art. geraSe, sOiled clothing,
pcrspiration behind the ears. in the
creases OF the lips and other folds of the
skin are often the cause Of these et
Zemas.
Intestinal disorders and other diges-
| tive disturbances. excessive use of fatty
! and cereal or fairnaceous foods such as
| potatoes and oatmeal are sometimes the
underlying soil OF ezcemas.
Indicated Local Treatment.
| One OF the frequent forms OF infantile
eczema is by strange preference limited
TO the checks. Scalp. forehead. ears. and
neck. 1t may occur elsewhere too. Small
red papules appear first and then
coalesce.
| 1hercupon. a moist. red surface ex-
ndes serum. lymph or even meter. This
may be as hard as that worn by the
man In THE Iron Mask.
| These crusts must be removed with
no. water and CASTLE soap: Occa.inrli-
| ~ H. is necessary to SOAK them off with
| bicarl onate ot soda in water. I.eneath
the crusts there Is a red. inflaned,
granular surface which bleeds readily
| and exudes matter or lymph. II Is upon
I Of mercury ointment or some other
moist eczema remedy Is to be applied
| ut the same time the food ana diet
are reduced in quantity and changed
in quality.
! Swollen lymph glands Of the neck and
in other neighborhoods Of the eruption
! give proof that bacteria ana other MI
| crobes, IL not among the true causes.
! are at least secondary invaders OF the
| eczematous areas. These large lymph
nodes are sensitive and painful ana are
among several other causes OF restless
ness, loss Of sleep. night terrors. night
mares. talking and mutterfng In sleep.
= Head lice are also sources OF such scalp
| ecZemas.
Seek the Cause.
Contrary to one OF those many APP
parently undestroyable delusions SO old
| and so widespread that the truth does
not prevail Il IS never dangerous to cure
! an eczema for fear Of driving II in"
| This ahsurdity Is only one of many that
! seem to prove that man is n reasoning
| animal yet fails to use his knowledge
| or reason.
To cure any skin eruption in the short
est possible time Is most desirable A
judiCious estimate Of the individua!
| rations. habits, sleep. sunlight. air,
| baths and personal cleanliness is more
essential than the lotions. ointments,
salves and other skin applications
| These however. are as rule necessary
| The removal of scabs and crusts
comes first. Comfort from the itching
is next in order. Then protection of the
new skin that is forming.
The pulverized preparation or GAIA
mine or black wash allowed 10 dry on
in layers allays the itch and soreness
The, the oil of cade and salicylic acid
ointment TO cure the open places IS
called for Study, labor, patience, and
persistence bring the reward OF a COM
plcte cure.
(Copyr' ght 1916. Newspaper Feature servieeo