cases of
eczema in grown persons are treated, in the great hospital for skin
diseases in Paris, by an india-rubber mask, or by india-rubber covering
of the affected part, and benefit thereby without any medicated
application whatever. The thin layer of scurf which often forms on an
infant's head should not be allowed to remain there, since its presence
is a source of irritation. If it is very adherent, the surface may be
well greased overnight with a little clarified lard which will soften
it, so that it can be readily washed off with weak soap and water in the
morning. If, however, the skin is very irritable soap must not be used,
but the head must be washed with yelk of egg and warm water, and instead
of a sponge, which would be too harsh, it is better to employ a very
large camel's hair brush or a soft shaving brush, which is more handy,
and the surface after careful drying may be lightly smeared with zinc
ointment. All ointments used must be washed off most scrupulously every
day, otherwise they become rancid, irritate, and make matters worse.

When eczema sets in acutely, with general feverish disturbance, cooling
medicines are required, and the help of the doctor becomes necessary.
These are the cases in which the eruption is not confined to the head or
the face, but extends over the body generally. The child must be dressed
as loosely as possible; and when in its cot, should lie there with no
other covering than its little shirt; and nothing gives so much relief
to the irritation as the abundant use of powder, either simple starch
powder, or ten parts of starch powder to one of oxide of zinc, or
carbonate of bismuth. All powders must be absolutely free from grit, or,
in other words, quite impalpable; otherwise they irritate the surface.
On the face and other parts where it can be employed, the puff may be
used to apply the powder; but between the creases of the skin--which it
is important to keep apart--fine linen, lint, or charpie must be
employed, covered freely with powder, so as to prevent the surfaces from
coming into contact. If the irritation is very distressing, a weak
spirit lotion with a little carbolic acid may sometimes be sponged over
the surface, and the powder renewed immediately; or other forms of
soothing lotions may be used to abate the irritation.

When the scalp is affected in the acute form of eczema crusts form very
quickly; or in other cases they collect because people fear to disturb
them