SCARLET FEVER. Synonyms.—Scarlatina; Scarlet Rash. Definition ...

complains of burning and smarting, and there are one or more vesicles
formed, and where the pulse is sharp and hard, rhus tox. is our best
remedy; thus, aconite five drops, rhus tox. ten drops, water four ounces;
a teaspoonful every hour. If the patient is dull and drowsy, the pupils
dilated, belladonna ten drops, to water four ounces, is the remedy to
use; but if the patient is restless with flushed face, or if there is active
delirium, gelsemium replaces the belladonna. These remedies, given
according to the above conditions, w^ill tide the -patient safely through
the most severe attacks of the disease.
The local treatment will also depend upon certain conditions. Where the
pulse calls for veratrum, the local lesion is red, hot, and painful, here
the part should be painted with full-strength veratrum every three
hours, and we may add to this agent a little glycerin to keep the surface
moist. Where the part is dusky, belladonna and glycerin may be applied
every two or three hours. Dr. Webster speaks highly of echinacea as a
local remedy, and I am satisfied that its use would be beneficial. Where
the part is intensely hot and painful, cold water will be found not only
grateful to the patient, but also of benefit.
The diet should be fluid in character and highly nutritious. Milk, sherry
whey, malted milk, egg's beaten in milk, and fruit juices will be
appropriate. The patient should be nursed as in any other contagious
disease, care being taken as to cleanliness of bed and linen and good
ventilation.
SEPTICEMIA.
Definition.—That morbid process commonly known as blood poisoning,
in which, with or without a local site of infection, there is an invasion of
the blood by bacteria or their toxins.
Etiology.—Whether the disease is caused by streptococci, staphylococci,
or a combination of micro-organisms, or to septic intoxication due to the
ptomains developed from these organisms, or all these forces combined,
has not been definitely determined. On one point, however, all are
agreed, and that is, that there must be an absorption of septic material.
Thus it may result from the retention of a partially decomposed placenta
or fetus, or a pus tube; old tubercular cavities in which is broken-down
tubercle; from septic fluid in the pleural cavity, or from typhoid ulcers. It
The Eclectic Practice of Medicine - PART I - Infectious Diseases - Page 171