Hand met schurftige ecthyma c. 1860 - 1868

This photograph of a hand afflicted with a skin condition called 'schurftige ecthyma,' or scabby ecthyma was created by A. de Montméja, sometime in the 19th century. While medical photography aimed for objectivity, the camera's gaze was never neutral. This image reflects a period grappling with anxieties about hygiene, disease, and social order. The clinical depiction of the infected hand, raises questions about whose bodies were subjected to such scrutiny, and under what circumstances. The photograph serves as a stark reminder of the social determinants of health. Skin diseases often disproportionately affect marginalized communities, reflecting disparities in access to healthcare and sanitation. As we confront enduring health inequities, this photograph invites us to reflect on the historical roots of medical bias and the ongoing struggle for health justice.