Page:Skin Diseases of Children.djvu/72

46 the inflamed surface, instead of being crusted, appears swollen, moist, and of an angry red hue (eczema rubrum) (Fig. 23).

Pustular eczema results from an inflamed surface of skin becoming infected by pyogenic cocci. The characteristic oozing or "weeping" surface may gradually become purulent, and the exudation may dry into an extensive, thick, yellowish or honey-like crust (eczema impetiginosum) (Fig. 24); or a group of isolated follicular pustules or minute superficial abscesses may develop and become crusted, in which case the

. 25.—Eczema pustulosum.

eruption bears a strong resemblance to contagious impetigo. This form of the disease is especially liable to occur in children of a strumous habit and among those who are not distinguished for their personal cleanliness (Fig. 25).

The squamous form of eczema is secondary to one of the preceding types. Indeed, a more or less scaly condition of the skin is seen in every patch of eczema before recovery takes place, and this may be regarded as the final stage in the course of the eruption. The amount and persistence of the scaling depend upon the extent of the infiltration of the skin. The