A practical and theoretical treatise on the diagnosis, pathology, & treatment of diseases of the skin : arranged according to a natural system of classification, and preceded by an outline of the anatomy and physiology of the skin / by Erasmus Wilson.

  • Wilson, Erasmus, Sir, 1809-1884.
Date:
1843
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A practical and theoretical treatise on the diagnosis, pathology, & treatment of diseases of the skin : arranged according to a natural system of classification, and preceded by an outline of the anatomy and physiology of the skin / by Erasmus Wilson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    the rest of the body, and if improperly treated, may endure for many months, or even years. Eczema of the face sometimes merges into a chronic form; the vesicles cease to be produced, the secretion diminishes, the surface becomes dry and less red, a number of thin, grayish lamellae usurp the place of the fallen crusts, and are succeeded in their turn by a furfuraceous desquama¬ tion. At a later period the skin may be left sound, but somewhat thick¬ ened, and of a deeper tint than natural, and the accustomed pale hue is regained only in the course of time. ECZEMA AURIUM. 287. Eczema makes its attack upon the ears at all periods of life, and in both sexes, and is not unfrequently met with in children during denti¬ tion. The ears affected by this disease are red, swollen, and tender, and are covered by vesicles and chaps; which pour out a profusion of ichorous sero-purulent fluid. The discharge spreading upon the in¬ flamed surface desiccates into a yellowish and brownish lamellated crust, which is constantly augmented by fresh secretion. From the pinna, the inflammation often extends into the meatus, and gives rise to great pain. Small subcutaneous abscesses form in the integument around the ears, and the neighbouring lymphatic glands frequently enlarge. In children this affection generally terminates favourably, but in per¬ sons of more advanced life, it is very apt to assume the chronic form. In this case vesicles cease to be produced, the incrustations become thinner, and are diminished; the tissues of the ear are swollen and infiltrated; the meatus is constricted, the skin is fissured by painful chaps, and the dis¬ ease is exceedingly obstinate, often resisting every method of treatment, and enduring for years. ECZEMA MAMMILARE. 288. Eczema of the nipples is a somewhat rare variety of eczematous affection, and usually assumes a chronic form. It has been occasionally observed in women during suckling, but is more frequently met with in girls at puberty, in women who have never been mothers, at the critical period of life, and in old persons. It is characterized by an eruption of small vesicles, succeeded by chaps, both the one and the other exuding a considerable quantity of secretion, which desiccates into lamellar scabs and scales. The affection is attended with much itching, and the nipple is tender, and frequently bleeds on being rubbed or scratched. In the chronic form, the disease is exceedingly obstinate and difficult of cure. Should it occur during lactation, it is desirable that the infant should be weaned. ECZEMA UMBILICALE. 289. In infants an eczematous eruption followed by excoriation and considerable discharge takes place around the umbilicus. The affection is of little importance, and soon vields to appropriate treatment. 15*