This paper presents a psychophysiological theory of the etiology and pathology of nonallergic infantile eczema, derived largely from physiological and pathological study of the skin. There is a comprehensive review of the literature leading to the conclusion that the initial lesion involves destruction of prickle-cells of the epidermis, as a result of external injury and retrograde stimulation of pain receptors. The consequent vesiculation is regarded as a protective device to protect tissue and dilute liberated pain-stimulating substances.

Thus infantile eczema is considered the result of an adaptive process directed at shielding the skin from real or anticipated injurious or unpleasant external stimuli. That the very attempt at adaptation 'goes wrong' is reminiscent of other pathological processes. The susceptible infant reacts as though experiencing or about to experience particularly unpleasant cutaneous stimuli. This tendency, with the consequent eczema, is exaggerated by the lack of soothing cutaneous experience that often has occurred in such children.