Eczema is a term frequently applied to totally unrelated dermatoses of infancy and childhood. The confusion which exists as to the pathogenesis of this condition in the age groups mentioned was clearly demonstrated at the pediatric congress held in Germany in 1929. While certain phases of eczemas in adults were admitted to have many points in common with those of later childhood, it was thought that the eczemas of infancy and early childhood composed a group apart.It seemed to us that part of this confusion was due to the inclusion of unrelated dermatoses in this group of eczemas, and it seems logical that first a clear conception of eczema from the clinical standpoint should be obtained. A step forward is the separation from eczema of dermatoses such as seborrheic dermatitis and intertrigo which are usually, but erroneously, included under this term.The seborrheic dermatosis of Unna is seldom found in infancy; it develops in later childhood. The characteristic lesion of this disease is an erythematous spot which is covered with greasy, yellow scales. The confluence of such spots results in irregular areas of various sizes, often polycyclic. The borders are sharply demarcated and raised above the surface, and often show yellowish crusts and scales. There is sometimes a tendency toward central healing. The rubbing of the crusts between the fingers demonstrates their fatty consistency. In contrast to eczema, there is an absence of vesicles and there is no itching. The points of predilection are the forehead, face, lobes of the ears, sternum, interscapular region and axillae.It is held by most authorities that this condition is due to an infec¬ tion with a parasite, and that it should not be confused with eczema. Even though it has been shown that fungi can cause eczema of the skin (Peck,1 Sulzberger and Lewis2 and Peck and Salomon3), we believe From the Pediatric Service of Dr. B\l=e'\la Schick and the laboratories of the Mount Sinai Hospital.1. Peck, S. M.:
