This is characterized by distressing itching and may be caused by any article of food which disagrees. A more or less irritant food or one difficult of digestion, such as strawberries, shellfish, pork, cheese, and sausage, are the foods which most usually produce it, if taken into an inactive stomach. When the intestines are in a sluggish condition the stomach does not act well, and any food which does not digest promptly is liable to excite an attack. It is remedied, by eating very lightly, by fasting for a day or two, by drinking _much_ water, exercising, breathing deeply, and securing activity of the bowels. Care must be taken to avoid foods known to disagree. [Sidenote: Eczema] The cause of this disorder is often difficult to ascertain, but it is aggravated or relapses occur when too much or too rich food is eaten. The skin is not able to dispose of all the material sent to it. It often occurs in those who are excessive eaters of meat. The diet may have to be confined to fruit, bread and milk, or crackers and milk for a few weeks. Meat, if allowed, should be taken sparingly and not oftener than once a day—better only every other day. Beef and chicken are the preferable meats. If no improvement occurs, or if it be slight, meat should be omitted altogether. Eggs may be substituted for meat. A little fresh fruit, if thoroughly ripe, may be taken, but all made desserts must be avoided and very little sweets used. Cracked wheat, or other wheat cereal, with a little cream, may be eaten. Oatmeal may provoke an attack because of the amount of fat in it. Foods may cause an attack in one case that have no detrimental action in another. Skin eruptions, eczema-like, often occur if for any reason the diet has been too limited, as in the semi-starvation seen in poor children. In these cases a more nutritious diet will often cure. Bananas, apples, cabbage, or fried foods, often cause a temporary attack or aggravate an existing condition. The food must be thoroughly masticated, must be taken at regular times, and not in excess. As this condition sometimes accompanies other diseases, any underlying condition must be sought, but all diet should be as simple as the needs of the system will bear. The foods which are found to increase the irritation of the skin are the ones to be avoided in each case. [Sidenote: Pruritus (Itching)] The all-prevalent American habit of eating fried food often produces an intense itching of the skin in various parts of the body. It occurs often in those who eat food highly seasoned with pepper or other condiments. The articles of food causing the overstimulation must be avoided, and all fried food, pastries, or food containing much fat, must be greatly lessened or omitted altogether.