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

present, inquire as to pruritis, if any, bearing in mind that syphilitic
eruptions rarely itch. We are not to forget, however, that associated with
the characteristic eruptions there may be eczema, with its
accompanying pruritis.
In women, repeated abortions may throw some light on the case. In
congenital syphilis, the characteristic snuffles the first few weeks, and
the eruption, together with fissures and ulcers of the mouth or lips, will
be conclusive evidence. When the symptoms are delayed till second
dentition or puberty, the general cachexia, and the childish appearance
and actions, which do not correspond with the age of the patient, the
imperfect development of the subject, the Hutchinson teeth (peg),
keratitis, and otitis are symptoms that can not be overlooked.
Prognosis.—The prognosis is more favorable than in former years,
and, with judicious treatment, the ravages of former times are not seen.
The congenital form does not yield so readily to treatment. The vitality
seems to have suffered so severely that the frail body is unable to resist
the inroads of the virus, and the weakling succumbs to the inevitable in
a large per cent of the cases.
Treatment.—My experience in venereal diseases has been quite
limited, and I will give the remedies as used by our school. About the
only mercurial remedy we give is the small amount found in Donovan's
solution. Other than this we believe patients do far better without the
mercurials, and are satisfied that much harm has been done in their
administration.
Berberis aquifolium is an agent of undoubted value in this trouble, Dr.
Webster regarding it as a specific. Under the judicious administration of
this remedy, the patient's appetite is improved, the loss of flesh and
strength is arrested, and the visible evidences of the disease disappear.
If you do not impress your patient with the necessity of taking the
remedy for a year or more, however, you lose the early effects by its
reappearing.
Syphilis is a disease which needs medication constantly for a year and a
half to two years, if we wish to avoid the tertiary manifestations. Thuja
was used quite extensively by Dr. Goss, both internally and locally.
Corydalis formosa is also a great remedy with Eclectics; to prevent the
severe lesions of the tertiary state there are few agents of equal value. It
may be given singly or combined with berberis aquifolium. The old
The Eclectic Practice of Medicine - PART I - Infectious Diseases - Page 225