RT Journal
A1 Waters WA
T1 NAture and causes of eczema
JF Journal of the American Medical Association
JO Journal of the American Medical Association
YR 1909
FD March 27
VO LII
IS 13
SP 1049
OP 1049
DO 10.1001/jama.1909.02540390045014
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1909.02540390045014
AB To the Editor: 
    —In reading the article of Dr. M. B. Hartzell, on "The Nature and Causes of Eczema" in The Journal, Nov. 28, 1908, one can not fail to observe with surprise that only one physician, Dr. Henry C. Baum, Syracuse, in discussing the causes referred to hyperacidity as an internal cause. I have seen many cases of eczema, not due to occupation, local irritation or poisoning through dyestuffs, and in which it seemed reasonable to look for other causes-internal causes, such as the ingestion of acid fruits, e. g., plums, lemons or tomatoes. I have seen several patients who developed acute and extensive eruptions, after eating these acid fruits, and in whom the prompt use of sodium bicarbonate, or salicylate in full doses, internally, rapidly relieved the symptoms. Many cases of eczema may be classed with rheumatism, neuralgia and urticaria, as diseases due to uric acidemia, or hyperacidity