=Erythema=, especially of the diaper region, is sometimes a manifestation of congenital syphilis. It is usually limited to the inner side of the thighs, the perineum, scrotum or vulva, and buttocks. It must be associated with other and more characteristic signs, however, such as snuffles, cachexia, etc., before it becomes diagnostic of syphilis. Most erythemas of this area are due to irritation from moist or soiled diapers, but other factors may be important. Bluing in the diaper, gastrointestinal troubles, and circulatory disturbances are contributing causes. The local treatment is the same as for intertrigo. If the child is syphilitic, systemic measures must be instituted. =Intertrigo=, or chafing, is a form of eczema due to moisture, bluing in the diapers or uncleanliness. The child should be cleaned with oil instead of water, and well powdered with stearate of zinc or zinc ointment may be used. Talcum powder which contains boric acid is contraindicated. =Pemphigus neonatorum= is an eruption of blisters or blebs which seem to follow infection from the maternal passages or to be communicated by other babies who have the disease. From three to fourteen days after birth, the blebs develop on the abdomen, neck or thighs, and show a tendency to spread to other parts of the body. The vesicles vary in size from one-fourth of an inch to two inches in diameter, and contain a serous, purulent, or bloody fluid. Other signs of general sepsis may appear. _In diagnosis_ care must be used to exclude syphilis, which also exhibits blebs, but usually on the soles of the feet or the palms of the hands. Besides, a nonsyphilitic child is generally better nourished. The prognosis is unfavorable if the child is weakly, if the blebs spread rapidly over a large area, or if the infection attacks the umbilicus. _Treatment._—A rigid quarantine must be enforced. In the hospital no new cases can be admitted. The alimentation must be increased, the blisters evacuated, and the surfaces cleaned and covered with a 25 per cent ointment of ichthyol, or an ointment of ammoniated mercury 2 per cent. =Strophulus, red gum, or miliaria rubra= are names applied to an inflammation of the sweat glands when their secretion is retained. It is a “sweat rash” characterized by an eruption of scattered red papules or small vesicles which commonly appear on the cheeks or neck of young infants, or where skin surfaces come in contact. It is due to excessive clothing or heat. It is really a prickly heat. The _treatment_ consists in the removal of the cause, and a generous use of stearate of zinc powder or rice powder. CHAPTER XXI THE CARE OF THE CHILD (Cont’d)