Tea-spoonful doses every one to three hours.
The phytolacca is the common poke-root, and as it loses its strength by drying and age, the tincture should be from the fresh root, or it is worthless.
Contagious diseases common to infants usually need cause no apprehension. Under favorable conditions they run their course in a few days. Ordinarily, the danger, and ailments following these diseases are the result of the prevailing drug treatment. Give the patient light, fresh air and all the water he wants, with frequent bathing, and in most cases the physician will not be required. This is especially true of measles. The prevailing custom of confining the patient in heated and darkened rooms, smothering him with blankets, and dosing him with hot teas will bring about the very conditions to be avoided.
Give him no food unless he craves it, then for a few days liquids only. Remember that all eruptive diseases are only the expression of existing conditions, and if not interfered with will leave the child in a better state of health. If the intelligent mother has given birth to a healthy child, she need not fear to encounter these affections in their simple form. Indeed, children most in harmony with nature escape them altogether.
Scarlet fever, or scarletina is more liable to assume a malignant form than any other eruptive fever. When this threatens, the case should be placed in the hands of a competent physician. It spreads by infection rapidly and insiduously. The rash first appears on the breast, then on neck, face, body and limbs. This is preceded by a sore throat, with the usual symptoms of fever. Thorough and abundant ventilation is a most vital point in the treatment. Use carbolic acid freely. Keep a sheet wet in a solution of it hanging in the room. The patient should be frequently sponged. If the throat is troublesome apply a wet compress, and occasionally inhale steam. The wet pack, as prescribed on [page 225], is most valuable, if administered by an experienced person. An eminent physician testifies that he never lost a case of scarlet fever in which he used the wet pack.
In suppression of the eruption a hot bath or pack is efficacious in bringing it out.
Diet.—New milk and hot milk (reduced one-third). Milk is a good antidote for poison, and lessens the virulence of the fever. Grapes, oranges and fruit juice are excellent.
| MEASLES. | SCARLET FEVER. |
|---|---|
| 1. Rash appears on fourth day. | 1. Rash appears the second day. |
| 2. Catarrhal symptoms are prominent, watery discharge from the eyes and nose, sneezing, harsh cough, etc. | 2. Catarrhal symptoms are usually absent, but there is great heat of the skin, sore throat, and sometimes delirium. |
| 3. The rash begins near the roots of the hair. | 3. The rash begins on the neck and face. |
| 4. The rash is of a pinkish red or raspberry color. | 4. The rash is of a bright scarlet color, and by pressing with the finger a white spot is produced, lasting a few seconds. |
| 5. The eruption is somewhat rough, so as to be felt by passing the hand over the skin. | 5. Eruption usually presents no inequalities to sight or touch, and is so minute and closely crowded as to give the skin a uniformly red appearance. |
| 6. Has a peculiar fetid odor. | 6. A peculiar brilliant glistening stare of the eyes. |
| 7. Liquid, tender, watery eye. | |
| 8. The cuticle is thrown off in minute portions, like fine scales of bran. | 7. The cuticle is thrown off in large patches, especially from the hands and feet. |
Whooping cough is both epidemic and contagious. It is usually mild in a healthy child, but severe and sometimes fatal in others. The younger the child the more dangerous the disease. The cough is generally worse at night. Even after apparent recovery it may be brought back by exposure to cold, by improper food, or by want of careful nursing. A reasonable amount of outdoor exercise is conducive to the favorable progress of the malady. Dampness should be avoided, as the skin is generally sensitive to cold, especially after a fit of coughing. Infants should be carefully watched, day and night, that they may be placed in a favorable position during the paroxysms.
Light, digestible food in moderate quantities should be given frequently. Hot milk is especially soothing and nutritious, particularly during the first days of the attack, and may well take the place of all other food.