Page:Skin Diseases of Children.djvu/64

40 few days fissures occurred and armor-like scales were formed, which gradually peeled off. This case was evidently of the same nature as those reported by Wheelock, Kyber, and others, but not so severe as to cause death.

Heredity is the only cause which can be suggested for the occurrence of ichthyosis, but often the parents and grand-parents are said to have been free from this or any other form of skin disease. The sexes are about equally disposed to the affection.

The treatment of ichthyosis is of necessity palliative, as the cause cannot be removed, but even in the severest cases the skin can be softened and restored temporarily to an almost or quite normal condition. To maintain this condition a considerable amount of persistent daily lubrication of the skin is required. The use of fatty articles of food, such as cream, eggs, etc., is to be recommended; and cod-liver oil will often prove serviceable, although it may not be necessary to use it internally, externally, and eternally, as has been suggested. Indeed, for local application the fats and oils do not generally prove as agreeable and effective as does diluted glycerin. A half-ounce of this added to a pint of rose water (or rainwater) makes an excellent lotion, which can be readily rubbed over the extremities, or whole body if necessary, every night and morning. When the disease is complicated by eczema, as often happens, a soothing ointment or paste is called for.