The diseases of children / by James Frederic Goodhart.

  • Sir James Goodhart, 1st Baronet
Date:
1913
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The diseases of children / by James Frederic Goodhart. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

    920/1000
    Diagnosis.—This is for the most part not difficult, for the existence of scattered blisters determines it. But when, as may happen, the bladders have dried and crusted, or the disease is acute and diffused, and the body is covered with eczematous- looking crusts, one may well hesitate before coming to a con- clusion. A bullous erythema is occasionally seen, which is very difficult to differentiate. Prognosis.—This is only grave in very feeble infants, and in the syphilitic. Treatment.—This affection is to be treated by the application of non-irritating antiseptics, a boracic bath, and a dusting powder of boracic acid, zinc oxide, and starch may be used, the former two or three times daily, followed by the application of the powder. An ointment of boric acid, or a weak mercurial or resorcin ointment (F. 63) may be applied when the bullae burst. For syphilitic cases anti-syphilitic remedies, such as hyd. c. cret. or iodide of iron, are to be given internally, or a mercu- rial bath may be given externally, of a strength of two, three, or four grains of perchloride of mercury to each gallon of water. The blebs may be powdered over with boric acid or oleate of zinc, to encourage their shrivelling, drying, and healing. PSORIASIS is often hereditary, and is also probably related more or less closely to the rheumatic diathesis. It presents similar features in childhood to those of the disease in adults, and it is for the most part relieved by similar remedies, viz. the local application of tar soap and tar ointments, and the internal administration of arsenic ; but it is an intractable form of disease. The sapo carbonis detergens, or terebene soap, is good for these cases, and the oil of cade, one part to three of vaseline, with some oil of lavender, makes a serviceable ointment ; as also does liq. carbonis detergens 3] to vaseline gj to §ij. The ung. acidi chrysophanici (ten grains to the ounce of benzoated lard) is also a useful remedy, but must be used with care, as it sometimes produces oedema, and some slight local inflamma- tion of the part to which it is applied. It also stains the skin and linen, but the colour can be removed by benzol or weak solutions of potash (Martindale). Martindale’s pigmentum acidi chrysophanici is a useful form of application.