Snowflake Sickness

Cheimonas necrotisis, also known as snowflake sickness is a contagious and often lethal affliction. When an individual becomes infected, their skin quickly begins to dry and peel in small flakes, starting in the extremities before rapidly moving to the core. As the disease progresses, it erodes more and more layers of skin, stopping only at the bone. Muscle and coordination loss set in soon after contamination, and if left untreated, the infected flesh eventually begins to blow off from even the most gentle wind or brush, almost erupting in small, dust-like flakes. The disease is spread by inhaling infected skin particles and is relatively painless although almost always lethal if let untreated, with most patients simply laying down and blowing away.

To cure snowflake sickness, a decoction of juniper berries, freshly cut lemongrass, and a strong, pure alcohol must be added to a bath, with 1/2 litre of mixture for every 10 litres of water. The bath is then heated to 40°C. The patient must soak in the bath for 30 minutes, before being placed in an ice bath for 5 minutes. Doing so causes the disease to be released through the pores of an afflicted individual's skin. Physician's should take special care when cleaning the heated tub, as skin residue and live disease can remain and pose a risk for the further spread of infection.