Erythema Neonatorum.—During the first week of life we sometimes meet with a diffuse universal redness; accord ing to Elliot, this rarely extends beyond the seventh day. Beginning as a pale red spot, it reaches its highest coloration about the third or fourth day, and then gradually fades, without leaving any des quamation. Elliot states that "during its involution, a yellow color, resembling that of icterus, may become apparent, and in very severe cases there may be petechia." The usual causal factor in its production is some form of external irri tation, harsh manipulation, either with the hands or towel while bathing or dressing, and exposure to the atmosphere.
Erythema is a very common condition in the newborn and is characterized by great numbers of vesicles with a red areola; as these rupture they become fused. It is most frequently seen upon the nates and posterior surface of the thighs, but may also be present upon the trunk and head. It is one of the ac companiments of athrepsia. Bland, ab sorbent powders should be used in its treatment, and if there is ulceration one may use applications of naphthalin, iodo form, or a 5-per-cent. solution of aseptol.
Vineta-Bellaserra (El Progreso Ginecol. y Ped., Sept. 25, 'SS).
Erythema Lmve.—This term is applied to red patches apparently produced by oedematous conditions of the limbs. Im paired circulation is the probable cause. Swelling, redness, tensity, and a glossy or waxy appearance of the skin are the usual symptoms met with. Allowed to continue, these symptoms usually ter minate in ulceration. Erythema cedema tosum is applied when great oedema is present.
Erythema Simplex Symptomaticum. —Under this heading belong all the erythemas which are due to some inter nal derangement, whether of the intes tinal canal or from some general disease of the system. In some instances the cause is the ingestion of some food which retards digestion; in others the general economy is disturbed by some drug, such as alcohol, phenacetin, or other sub stance. This form of erythema does not respect any portion of the body; it most frequently attacks the face, neck, and upper portion of the chest and back.