ECZEMA SEBORRHOICUM ( Un.) In ISS7, Unna described an affection of the skin under the name of Eczema seborrhoicum, which was called by Neisser Mycosis seborr hoiea, and is frequently mentioned in the literature as mycotic or psori asiform eczema. This is a pathological condition of the skin which does not belong to the eczematous series proper, and is probably (mused by a microorganism. At the same time it may often exhibit eczematous ehanges, such as hyperaimia, inflammation, exudation, etc. In in fancy the affection usually starts from seborrhcca sieca (Cncis) of the hairy part of the head; it is very frequent in little children and will often persist until a more advanced age. Forming perfectly round rings, this eczema spreads from the head to the feet. The various spots are sharply demarcated, dry, slightly itching, with lardaceous appearance or covered with scales and scabs, of yellowish to yellowish red color. The affection may become worse, as the fatty secretion increases; or again the spots may occasionally have the appearance of psoriasis. The determatosis is not infrequently met with in infancy and is usually connected with the status seborrhoicus which will lie described later on when treating of seborrhcea; its favorite places are the hairy parts of the head, the forehead, face, sternal region, intracapsular space and axilla.
parasitic nature of eczema seborrhoicum is very probable, but not yet proved. It requires further investigations to determine whether Unna's morococci or the bottle-shaped bacilli which are frequently found on the scalp, are the cause. There is no doubt that the development of parasites is favored by the maceration and the abnormal secretion of fat.
prognosis is generally favorable, but seborrhceic eczema has a tendency to frequent relapses.
the affection shows dry, easily desquamating areas, the treatment of eczema seborrhoicum consists in the applica tion of sulphur-resorcin ointments (having an antiparasitic effect, also softening and removing the horny masses), often in conjunction with the sulphur—ichthyol and thigenol. A very energetic effect is produced by painting with weak anthrarobin and chrysarobin. At the same time soap treatment. The exudative, irritated places of eczema seborrhoicum are first dried by pastes.