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

death, the leper's friend, comes to his relief.
Diagnosis.—In the early stages, the erythematous macule, with
hyperesthesia, followed by anesthetic areas, is quite characteristic. In
the advanced stage there would be little difficulty in recognizing either
form. When there is doubt, a microscopic examination will reveal the
bacillus lepra, if the disease be present, for it is known to be found in no
other disease.
Prognosis.—The disease, though terminating fatally, may run for
several years without very much suffering or discomfort. The profession
has, as yet, looked in vain for a specific for this dread disease; hence the
prognosis is almost certain death.
Treatment.—The experience of thirty-five centuries of treatment is not
flattering to the profession. Of the large number of agents used, none
have stood the test, and the physician of the twentieth century stands
as helpless in its presence as the Egyptian healer, who practiced his art
fifteen hundred years before Christ.
The medical world is anxiously awaiting the verdict of the latest
remedies said to be curative; namely, chaulmoogra oil, expressed from
the seeds of the Gynocardia odorata. Dr. Le Page, of Calcutta, was the
first to use the remedy, which is given in doses of from five to eighty
drops three times a day, either in capsules or in emulsion. The patients
do better on the large dose; but, unfortunately, the agent is irritant to
many stomachs, and even the minimum dose can not be retained. It is
also used externally in the proportion of one part to five or ten parts of
olive or cocoanut oil, or as an ointment of gynocardic acid.
Gurjun oil, derived from the Dipterocarpus turbinatus, is also another
agent of which great things are expected. This is given in emulsion,
equal parts of the oil and lime-water, the dose of which is from one to
four drams; externally, one part to three of olive oil or lime-water.
Since the disease, when once contracted, is incurable, the greatest
interest is attached to the problem of how to avoid getting the disease.
This is of special interest to Americans in view of the recent acquisition
of Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, each of which is the habitat
of leprosy.
Isolation or segregation of lepers is perhaps the first and most important
The Eclectic Practice of Medicine - PART I - Infectious Diseases - Page 237