The Science of Therapeutics - Classical Homeopathy Online

Full text of "The Science of Therapeutics: According to the Principles of Homeopath...Page 417 of 653satisfied in every case, is difficult to determine owing to the dsity and number of the noxious influences giving rise to the eruption. Above all, local irritants giving rise to eczema, must beremoved. In most cases eczema gets well of itself after the causeis removed; however, this is not always the case. Not unfrequently, after the exanthem has lasted for some time, the cutaneous disease acquires such a power of independent existence thata germ of inherent development has become ingrafted upon it.Eczema arising from constitutional causes, is of less frequent ocrence than any other.In the next place we have to aim at removing the cause, whichis the chief promoter of the spread of eczema, namely scratching.In some cases it is impossible to prevent scratching, not only incase of children, but likewise in that of adults; the itching isintense and the scratching may be indulged in by the patient whilhe is sleeping, when the scratching cannot always be prevented inthe long run. Under such circumstances it is a good plan to protethe hands by means of gloves or linen-bags and to remove the possibility of the nails being used; for there is no doubt that thelaceration of the exanthem with the nails may transfer the eczemato other parts of the body by a regular process of grafting. Inother cases scratching may be prevented by appropriately coveringthe eczematous part; on the leg, for instance, by applying suitabbandages, and in the case of children by covering the head with acalf s-bladder from which the mucous lining has been removed, andbeneath which the exanthem sometimes heals with wonderfulrapidity. Finally, we will name a few external applications, aftethe use of which the itching abates with more or less certainty.We ought to state that the greatest amount of irritation, whichsuperinduces the itching, proceeds from the fully-developed crustwhereas a moist eczema itches much less. Hence, the great objectis to limit the formation of crusts as much as possible, or to prtheir excessive adhesion and desiccation. This object is reachedfrequent ablutions with cold or tepid water. We are aware thatthese are dreaded by many physicians and lay people, but without494 Diseases of the Skin.any adequate cause if proper care is used. A shower-bath is stillpreferable to washing ; but the water must not have a fall of morthan two feet, nor should the temperature be below fifty to sixtydegrees. For eczema of the body tepid baths with frictions withsoap are eminently to be commended. Liquid fats are excellentmeans of softening the crusts. By moistening them with almondoil, they break up into little fragments and can be removed moreeasily. Glycerine renders the same service. We must be careful,however, not to apply the oil too often, nor too much of it, othewise it might result in the formation of pustules. Twelve to sixthours after the application of the oil the parts ought to be washwith soap. If very thick crusts are to be speedily removed, thesurest means is the use of warm cataplasms which, however, mustnot be applied too long at a time, for the reason that cataplasmsare likewise apt to lead to the development of pustules. Ointmentno matter what they are made of, can never be of any use, but aregenerally hurtful.Regarding the medicinal treatment of eczema, we find a largehttp://www.archive.org/stream/sciencetherapeu00kafkgoog/sciencetherapeu00kafkgoog_djvu.txt