Symptoms.--The eruption is preceded by a great deal of neuralgic pain and is almost always one-sided. They first appear as red patches and upon these patches vesicles soon develop (skin elevations with liquid in them); these are separate, size of a pin-head to a coffee bean, swollen with a clear fluid, and clustered in groups of two to a dozen. They may dry up in this stage, or they may fill with pus or run together, forming larger patches; new crops may appear, while the others fade. The vesicles rarely rupture of themselves, but dry into brownish crusts, which drop off leaving a temporary colored skin. It follows the course of a nerve. The most common seat of this disease is over one or more intercostal (between the rib) nerves, extending from the backbone to the breastbone. It also occurs along the side of the face and temple. Causes.--It is a self-limited disease, runs its course in a few weeks, of nervous origin and may be produced by exposure to weather changes, blows and certain poisons. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Shingles, Herb Remedy for.--1. "Make a solution of yerba rheuma, one ounce to a pint of boiling water, and apply freely to the part several times a day." The yerba rheuma has an astringent action and contracts the tissues, relieving the inflammation of the skin. It also relieves the itching. [SKIN DISEASES. 75] 2. Shingles, Mercury Ointment for.--"Apply night and morning an ointment from the oleate of mercury." This preparation will be found effective, but care should be taken not to use too much of it, as oleate of mercury is very powerful. It relieves the burning and itching. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Shingles.--Protect the vesicles from rupture or irritation and relieve the pain. Paint the surface with a solution of gun cotton (collodion). Tonics to keep up the strength. EXCESSIVE SWEATING. (Hyperidrosis).--This is a disorder of the sweat glands in which sweat is thrown out in excessive quantities. Symptoms.--It may be great only in the armpit where it stains the clothing. When it comes on the hands and feet they may be wet, clammy and have an offensive odor. They may be soaked, inflamed and painful. Causes.--The local forms may be due to a nervous condition; it is often the result of general debility. Treatment.--General tonics are needed and those given under anemia, which see. Applications for the local treatment.--Solution of alum applied to the part will act as an astringent. White oak bark tea is good as anything. It should not be used so strong as to stop sweating entirely. Then follow it with dusting powders of starch or boric acid, containing salicylic acid (two to five per cent). When it occurs upon the feet use the Diachylon ointment. It must be made up fresh in a drug store. This is applied on strips of lint or muslin after the parts have been thoroughly washed and dried; it should be renewed twice daily, the parts being dried with soft towels and then covered with dusting powder, followed by the ointment.