Rubbing and scratching only irritate
the skin, which becomes covered with thin black scabs. A good
representation of _prurigo_ may be seen in Colored Plate II, Fig. 6. The
itching sensations are sometimes caused by chilling the body, by violent
exercise, and heat; allowing the mind to dwell upon the affection
aggravates it. Prurigo is recognized under two forms; _vulgaris,_ which
is a mild form, and _senilis_, which chiefly occurs in old age, and is
more severe. The external genital parts of females are frequently
affected with this disease, and it is aggravated by menstruation and
uncleanliness.

This affection may be due to a vitiated condition of the blood, and is
common among those who are greatly debilitated. It is frequently
occasioned by uncleanliness, intemperance, the use of unwholesome food,
or by an impure atmosphere.

TREATMENT. To allay the itching, take glycerine, one ounce, add to it
one drachm of _sulphite_ of soda, and one ounce of rose-water, and apply
this to the affected parts. A solution made with borax, two drachms, and
morphine, fire grains, dissolved in six ounces of rose-water, makes an
excellent lotion to allay the itching. If the disease be severe, it will
be necessary to correct the vitiated condition of the blood by a
protracted use of Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery, and to aid its
effects, give one "Pleasant Pellet" every day, not to operate as a
cathartic, but only to exert an alterative influence.

ALPHOUS AFFECTIONS.

(SCALY SKIN DISEASES.)

Differences of opinion exist with regard to the proper classification of
these affections. We shall briefly consider _alphos_, which is sometimes
confounded with _lepra_.

ALPHOS, which from its Greek derivation signifies _white_, is
characterized by circular, slightly raised white spots. These eruptions
vary in size from one line to two inches in diameter, and may be
scattered over the entire surface of the body, although they most
frequently appear upon the elbows and knees. Alphos may consist of a
single tubercle, or of large clusters constituting patches. The scales
vary in color and thickness. In Colored Plate III, Figs. 14 and 15, are
fine illustrations of alphos. When a person begins to recover from this
affection, the scales fall off, leaving a smooth red surface, which
gradually returns to its natural color.

This disease is more liable to occur in winter than in summer, although
in some cases the reverse holds true. It