The Hygienic Treatment of Eczema by A. B. Olsen, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 31, 1911

The Hygienic Treatment of Eczema

By A. B. Olsen, M. D.

A. B. OLSEN, M. D.

A common name for eczema is salt-rheum, and it is also known as moist tetter, and by a number of other names. Eczema is essentially an inflammation of the skin, and, like all inflammations, may be either acute or chronic. It is the most common of skin diseases, according to some authorities forming about one half of all cases.

A Multiform Affection

There are many varieties of eczema; indeed, its multiformity is characteristic of the disease. It may manifest itself simply as a group of red spots, or there may be slight red elevations of the skin, or little vesicles containing a yellowish, watery fluid, or even offensive matter; both scales and large crusts may form.

Fortunately, eczema is not a contagious disease, and consequently is not transmitted from one person to another. The one constant symptom is itching, which is often severe, and at times may be almost intolerable. But don't scratch under any circumstances; for to do so only aggravates the condition, and may be the means of prolonging the disease for years.

Eczema a Symptom

It is generally believed that in most cases eczema itself is merely a symptom, indicating lowered vitality and a deterioration of the blood. It may be symptomatic of dyspepsia, which happens frequently; of gout, rheumatism, and other dyscrasias. Sometimes it is due to certain drugs, and is then known as a medicinal eczema. Then there is the dietetic form, caused by errors of diet, which is by no means uncommon.

Irritation the Cause of Eczema

Broadly speaking, eczema is due to some form of irritation, which may be either external or internal. The external irritation may be mechanical, such as friction from coarse underwear; thermal, e. g., excessive heat; chemical, as when produced by irritating soaps, lotions, or ointments; or parasitic, that is, due to lice or micro-organisms. Indeed, all forms of eczema are more or less complicated by the action of micro-organisms, and often these are the direct cause.

Chronic eczema is usually the result of a long-continued irritation of some kind that has been neglected. To expect a cure while the causal factor is still at work is unreasonable.

Lack of Bathing

The lack of cleanliness is undoubtedly one of the most prolific causes of eczema. The accumulation of filth acts as an irritant, and soon inflames the skin. Such a condition invites the presence of parasites, and an aggravated case of eczema is quickly set up.

Eczema is apparently no respecter of persons; for it attacks both sexes and all ages, from the baby at the breast to the old man in his dotage. It attacks all classes of society, both rich and poor. The poor man is compelled to be frugal in his diet, but is often careless about his person, and thus becomes a prey to the disease. The rich man, on the other hand, while scrupulously clean on the outside often has impure blood, due to high living, and so he is also subject to eczema.

First Remove the Cause

It is obvious to any one that the first step in the treatment of eczema is to remove the cause. Whatever the cause may be, internal or external, seek it out, if possible, and remove it. On the removal of the exciting causes, the inflammation soon ceases, unless it has become chronic, and even then it is alleviated.

Build Up the General Health

After removing all known and possible causes, give careful attention to the general health. The patient is almost always in a run-down condition, and requires tonic treatment. Adopt a plain but nutritious and wholesome diet, plenty of restful sleep, and a well-regulated course of physical training. It is very important to improve digestion and nutrition in most cases, and also to secure regular action of the bowels. Pickles, pastries, sweets, cheese, and all rich and greasy foods, should be strictly avoided, since they are difficult of digestion. It is well to drink plenty of water, and fruit, both fresh and stewed, can usually be taken freely. By these simple means the blood will be purified, and the healthy, active body will soon be able to shake off the local disorder of the skin.

The Local Treatment

The part should first be cleaned thoroughly, and then always kept clean. Soaps of all kinds should be avoided in acute cases. Warm, soft-water may be used, or better still, bran or oatmeal-water. The oatmeal-water may be prepared by boiling the meal in a bag, and squeezing it in the water to be used.

Acute eczema always requires soothing treatment. A lotion containing bicarbonate of soda is very useful, also carron-oil.

Bathing and sponging with hot water, together with the use of lead lotion and tar preparations, also camphor, will relieve the itching. A weak solution of carbolic acid, one per cent, is often very effective to allay itching. But don't forget that carbolic acid is a deadly poison, and the greatest precaution possible must be taken in its use. Creolin, soda, and alkaline baths may be used to advantage at times. For a soothing powder, starch alone is sometimes serviceable, but a good talcum powder is better. Vaseline is an excellent ointment, and may be made still more effective by the addition of small quantities of carbolic acid, salicylic acid, oxid of zinc, or resorcin, etc.

Chronic Cases

Chronic eczema, on the other hand, requires stimulation, and tar preparations are very useful, also mercury and sulphur ointments. Hard crusts and scabs may be softened by sweet-oil or vaseline, and then removed, and the ointment or lotion applied. In old cases where the skin is much thickened, a hot spray for five or ten minutes twice a day is often helpful.

Simple hydropathic treatment without the use of ointments or local applications of any kind, is often sufficient to effect a cure. Usually the patient's diet is at fault. With this properly corrected, and the system cleansed and purified by suitable baths and exercise, the distressing symptoms are almost sure to disappear.

In treating eczema of the scalp it is well to cut the hair quite close, and then the affected part can be reached to better advantage. The same would apply to affected portions of the face covered by a beard.

It is often difficult to prevent children from scratching, which only aggravates the disorder and causes it to spread. In such cases the affected part should be well protected, and the irritation relieved by proper treatment.