As a rule, eczema requires for its removal both constitutional and external treatment. Certain cases, however, seem to be entirely local in their nature, and in these cases external treatment alone will have satisfactory results.
What general measures as to hygiene and diet are commonly advisable?
Fresh air, exercise, moderate indulgence in calisthenics, regular habits, a plain, nutritious diet; abstention from such articles of food as pork, salted meat, acid fruits, pastry, gravies, sauces, cheese, pickles, condiments, excessive coffee or tea drinking, etc. As a rule, also, beer, wine, and other stimulants are to be interdicted.
Upon what grounds is the line or plan of constitutional treatment to be based?
Upon indications in the individual case. A careful examination into the patient's general health will usually give the cue to the line of treatment to be adopted.
Mention the important remedies variously employed in the constitutional treatment.
Tonics—such as cod-liver oil, quinine, nux vomica, the vegetable bitters, iron, arsenic, malt, etc.
Alkalies—sodium salicylate, potassium bicarbonate, liquor potassæ, and lithium carbonate.
Alteratives—calomel, colchicum, arsenic, and potassium iodide.
Diuretics—potassium acetate, potassium citrate, and oil of copaiba.