ch the simple erythemata are
divided.#

Idiopathic and symptomatic.

#What do you include in the idiopathic class?#

Those erythemas due to external causes, such as cold and heat (_erythema
caloricum_), the action of the sun (_erythema solare_), traumatism
(_erythema traumaticum_), and the various poisons or chemical irritants
(_erythema venenatum_).

#What do you include in the symptomatic class?#

Those rashes often preceding or accompanying certain of the systemic
diseases, and those due to disorders of the digestive tract, stomachic
and intestinal toxins, to the ingestion of certain drugs, and to use of
the therapeutic serums.

#Describe the symptoms of erythema simplex.#

The essential symptom is redness--simple hyperaemia--without elevation or
infiltration, disappearing under pressure, and sometimes attended by
slight heat or burning; it may be patchy or diffused. In the idiopathic
class, if the cause is continued, dermatitis may result.

#What is to be said about the distribution of the simple erythemata?#

The idiopathic rashes, as inferred from the nature of the causes, are
usually limited.

The symptomatic erythemas are more or less generalized; desquamation
sometimes follows.

#Describe the treatment of the simple erythemata.#

A removal of the cause in idiopathic rashes is all that is needed, the
erythema sooner or later subsiding. The same may be stated of the
symptomatic erythemata, but in these there is at times difficulty in
recognizing the etiological factor; constitutional treatment, if
necessary, is to be based upon general principles. Intestinal
antiseptics are useful in some instances.

Local treatment, which is rarely needed, consists of the use of
dusting-powders or mild cooling and astringent lotions, such as are
employed in the treatment of acute eczema (q. v.).

#Erythema Intertrigo.#
(_Synonym:_ Chafing.)

#What do you understand by erythema intertrigo?#

Erythema intertrigo is a hyperaemic disorder occurring on parts where the
natural folds of the skin come in contact, and is characterized by
redness, to which may be added an abraded surface and maceration of the
epidermis.

#Describe the symptoms of erythema intertrigo.#

The skin of the involved region gradually becomes hyperaemic, but is
without elevation or infiltration; a feeling of heat and soreness is
usually experienced. If the condition continu