Generally speaking, ointments must not be used on weeping or exuding surfaces; all scales and crusts must be removed from the surface; and acute patches must be soothed, chronic patches stimulated. Water is harmful and increases the trouble; but it is necessary to use it once, in cleansing the affected area, in the form of soap and water. If there are thick, adherent crusts, a poultice of boiled starch, covered with a muslin cloth, will loosen them in a night. Thickened or horny layers on the palms and soles may be covered with salicylic plaster (ten per cent strength), which is removed after two days, and the whole part soaked in warm water, when the horny layer is to be peeled off. Thickened surfaces are best treated with wood tar, in the form of oil of cade ointment, or the "pix liquida" of the drug shops mixed with twice its amount of olive oil. This should be well rubbed into the affected part. Seborrheic eczema of the scalp and neighboring areas is best treated with a four per cent ointment of ammoniated mercury, rubbed in once a day for five days, followed by the application of a solution of resorcin in water, four grains to the ounce. Weeping and exuding patches should be treated with powdered stearate of zinc, or oleate of bismuth, or aristol, either one dusted on till the area is fairly covered. When the surface begins to dry up, the following paste may be applied: Salicylic acid 5 to 15 grains Zinc oxide 2 drams Powdered starch 2 drams Vaseline 1 ounce If weeping returns, stop the ointment and resume the powder treatment, or use the following lotion: Zinc oleate 1 dram Magnesium carbonate 1 dram Ichthyol 1/2 ounce Lime water 4 ounces When the skin after scaling off becomes thin, all swelling having disappeared, lead plaster is of service, or diachylon ointment twenty-five per cent, made with olive oil. An eczema of moderate extent should recover after four to six weeks' treatment, unless the soles or palms be attacked, when six or more months of treatment may be necessary.