118. ERYSIPELAS.
Erysipelas being commonly the reflexion of an internal disease with a peculiar tendency towards the skin, should not be treated locally alone, but with due regard for the original disease. If possible, the patient should perspire freely in long packs, whilst a wet compress relieves the local inflammation. The compress, without the pack, would be apt to cause a metastasis to a vital organ. Sometimes a derivative compress, as mentioned under small-pox (114), will draw the inflammation away from a very painful and dangerous spot. It is advisable to try it, if the seat of the inflammation is the face or head. The water for the sheet, compress and bath should not be lower than 65°. I know several cases of rapid cures of erysipelas, by throwing a profusion of cold water on the parts affected. But, although I do not remember any harm done by such a process, I can scarcely recommend it, as long as there are milder and safer remedies at our disposal.[37]
119. ERYTHEMA.
Erythema may be considered an exceedingly mild form of erysipelas, and yields to gentle treatment, as it is given in measles.
120. ADDITIONAL RULES FOR THE TREATMENT OF ERUPTIVE DISEASES.
In all these eruptive diseases, especially small-pox, all I have said, in speaking of scarlatina, about ventilation, air, diet, &c., ought to be duly observed. In small-pox, a constant renovation of the air is indispensable, as the morbid exhalations from the body of the patient are most offensive, and the contagious poison most virulent.
121. The temperature of the room, however, should be a few degrees higher than in scarlatina, as none of these other eruptive diseases shows the same degree of fever and heat. This is particularly advisable in the treatment of measles, when exposure is very apt to cause the rash to disappear, an occurrence which is dangerous in any eruptive disease.