nt substance, such as starch, boric acid, and zinc oxide.

#CLASS I.--DISORDERS OF THE GLANDS.#

#Hyperidrosis.#

[Illustration: Fig. 6.
A normal sweat-gland, highly magnified. (_After Neumann._)
_a_, Sweat-coil: _b_, sweat-duct; _c_, lumen of duct; _d_,
connective-tissue capsule; _e_ and _f_, arterial trunk and
capillaries.]

#What is hyperidrosis?#

Hyperidrosis is a functional disturbance of the sweat-glands,
characterized by an increased production of sweat. This increase may be
slight or excessive, local or general.

#As a local affection, what parts are most commonly involved?#

The hands, feet, especially the palmar and plantar surfaces, the axillae
and the genitalia.

#Describe the symptoms of the local forms of hyperidrosis.#

The essential, and frequently the sole symptom, is more or less profuse
sweating.

If the hands are the parts involved, they are noted to be wet, clammy
and sometimes cold.

If involving the soles, the skin often becomes more or less macerated
and sodden in appearance, and as a result of this maceration and
continued irritation they may become inflamed, especially about the
borders of the affected parts, and present a pinkish or pinkish-red
color, having a violaceous tinge. The sweat undergoes change and becomes
offensive.

#Is hyperidrosis acute or chronic?#

Usually chronic, although it may also occur as an acute affection.

#What is the etiology of hyperidrosis?#

Debility is commonly the cause in general hyperidrosis; the local forms
are probably neurotic in origin.

#What is the prognosis?#

The disease is usually persistent and often rebellious to treatment; in
many instances a permanent cure is possible, in others palliation.
Relapses are not uncommon.

#What systemic remedies are employed in hyperidrosis?#

Ergot, belladonna, gallic acid, mineral acids, and tonics.
Constitutional treatment is rarely of benefit in the local forms of
hyperidrosis, and external applications are seldom of service in general
hyperidrosis. Precipitated sulphur, a teaspoonful twice daily, is also
well spoken of, combined, if necessary, with an astringent.

#What external remedies are employed in the local forms?#

Astringent lotions of zinc sulphate, tannin and alum, applied several
times daily, with or without the supplementary use of dusting-powders.
Weak solutions of formaldehyde, one to one hundred, are sometimes