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

certain conditions, rather than in treating it as a whole. Specific
remedies for specific conditions have certainly been successful.
If we keep in mind the important fact that grip is depressing and
rapidly exhausts vitality, it will save us from serious mistakes. First, we
insist most emphatically that the patient take his bed early, and remain
there until the fever has disappeared. Secondly, we avoid depressants as
we would a pestilence. A depressing treatment added to depressing
disease has been responsible for many deaths that have been attributed
to some grave complications. With the exception of a single dose of
phenacetin or antikamnia in the beginning, we discard the use of all
coal-tar products.
In most cases the patient aches all over, or, as he expresses it. every
bone in his body aches, and the myalgia is so great that the patient is
crying for relief. In these cases, where the heart action is good, one fivegrain
antikamnia powder or a three-grain phenacetin powder, followed
by the appropriate remedy, will relieve the headache and the backache,
and render the patient fairly comfortable within an hour. This is the
extent of my use of the coal-tar products. One powder at the beginning
of the disease, followed by the judicious use of the specific, will prevent a
return of the severe pain. If the heart action is weak, however, it must
not be used, though severe pain is nearly always accompanied by a full,
bounding pulse.
Aconite.—If the pulse be small, give aconite five drops to water four
ounces. - Teaspoonful every hour.
Veratrum.—In the adult the pulse is usually full, strong, and bounding,
with flushed face, bright eyes, and contracted pupils. Such cases need
veratrum fifteen to thirty drops, and gelsemium ten to twenty drops, to
water four ounces. Teaspoonful every hour, until the pulse responds to
the sedative and the irritation of the nervous system subsides, when we
give it every two or three hours. If the patient is restless or unable to
sleep, a five-grain diaphoretic powder may be given.
Bryonia.—For the cough, which early develops, and is attended by
chest-pains, bryonia five to ten drops, with the appropriate sedative, will
give the best results.
Macrotys.—If there is muscular soreness, rheumatic in character, or if it
be about the menstrual period, macrotys will be the better remedy.
The Eclectic Practice of Medicine - PART I - Infectious Diseases - Page 167