Sclerema Neonatorum

This is an affection of the skin met with in newborn infants, in which the greater part of the integument may become rapidly involved in a process which results in a generalized hide-bound condition, which interferes with motion of the limbs, and even restricts the action of the thoracic muscles. A fatal termination is usually to be looked for in a few days.

The nature of the disease is obscure - in fact, its exact etiology is unknown; but its general features point to a close relationship to the affection described as scleriasis, as met with in adults - the better prognosis in this latter disease being due to the greater resisting powers of the adult.

Treatment, other than sustaining, appears to be of little avail.