(|oi;iifspit(ieitct. DHOBIES' ITCH. To the Editor of " The Indian Medical Gazette." " Dhobies' Itch," is in my Sir,?The disease known as " opinion misnamed ; its name ought correctly to be Sweepers' Itch." Although a certain number of cases may be put down as caused by the dliobie, yet I should think over 70 per cent, of all cases are caused by the sweeper. The majority of persons afflicted suffer from disease of the nates and surrounding parts, the contagion being derived from the box The contagion is spread or stool generally used in India. by means of the filthy duster the sweeper cleans each receptacle with, and one can easily trace the complaint amongst people living near each other and employing the same sweeper. Cases of Dhobies' Itch quickly recover when the patient goes out of India, anywhere away from the sweeper and his filthy duster, but in India no sooner does a person get well than he catches the disease again, being exposed to the same source of contagion. In conclusion, I might again remark that the quickest and easiest way to cure this disease is to moisten the parts affected and rub in boracic powder two or three times a day. This is a far more agreeable procedure than using iodine, chrysophanic acid and ointments, as several of these measures are disagreeable to the patient and often spoil the linen.

Aden, 9th July 189S.

I am, &c., F.

WADE-BROWN, Surgeon- Captain, A.

M. S.