there is usually more thickening of the skin. An acute eczema often runs a typical course, which may be divided into three stages. These are, first, the stage of congestion and vesiculation; second, the stage of moisture and crusting; and third, the stage of desquamation. The vesicular condition is always transitory, and in many cases is not present. The effusion of serum may be so intense as to loosen and wash away the epi-
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Fig. 21.—Eczema squamosum.
dermis in a mass, thus leaving the typical raw, red, exuding surface; or, on the other hand, the serous effusion may be so slight as not to appear upon the surface, and the eruption passes directly from the congestive into the squamous stage. The outbreak of acute eczema is attended by more or less fever and restlessness. Repeated exacerbations often characterize the course of a chronic eczema, during which the eruption assumes an acute form.
