.... [Oz]xiv. M.

This is sometimes more efficient if zinc oxide, six to eight drachms, is
added.

Lotions of alcohol and water or vinegar and water, and also the various
lotions used in acute eczema, are often employed with relief.

Dusting-powders of starch, boric acid, lycopodium, talc, and zinc oxide
are also valuable; the following combination is satisfactory:--

[Rx] Pulv. acidi borici,
Pulv. talci veneti,
Pulv. zinci oxidi,
Pulv. amyli, .............[=a][=a].....[dram]ij. M.

Probably the best plan is to use a lotion and a dusting-powder
conjointly; dabbing on the wash freely, allowing it to dry, and then
dusting over with the powder.

#Pompholyx.#
(_Synonyms:_ Dysidrosis; Cheiro-pompholyx.)

#What is pompholyx?#

Pompholyx is a rare disease of the skin of a vesicular and bullous
character, and limited to the hands and feet.

#Describe the symptoms of pompholyx.#

In most instances the hands only are affected. It begins usually with a
feeling of burning, tingling or tenderness of the parts, followed
rapidly by the appearance of deeply-seated vesicles, especially between
the fingers and on the palmar aspect. These beginning lesions look not
unlike sago grains imbedded in the skin. In some instances the disease
does not extend beyond this stage, the vesicles disappearing after a few
days or weeks by absorption, and usually without desquamation.
Ordinarily, however, the lesions increase in size, new ones arise,
become confluent, and blebs result, the skin in places appearing as if
undermined with serous exudation. The parts are commonly inflamed to a
slight or marked degree. The skin comes off in flakes, new lesions may
appear for several days or two or three weeks, and the process then
declines, recovery gradually taking place.

There are no constitutional symptoms, although it is usually noticed
that the general health is below par.

#What is the character of the subjective symptoms in pompholyx?#

The subjective symptoms consist of a feeling of tension, burning and
tenderness, and sometimes itching. Not infrequently, also there is
neuralgic pain.

#What is the cause of pompholyx?#

The eruption is thought to be due to a depressed state of the nervous
system. It is more common in women, and is met with chiefly in adult and
middle life.

#What is the pathology?#

Opinion is divided; some considering it a diseas