Rheumatism, Acute.
Rheumatic Fever may be treated much in the same way as Ardent or Continued Fever (see Fever, Index); by confinement to bed in a cool, well-ventilated apartment, farinaceous diet, and abstinence from alcoholic and other stimulants. Nitre (270) should be given freely, with Lemonade (232) as an ordinary drink. The bowels should be carefully regulated, one or two motions procured daily by a dose of Calomel (three or four grains) and Opium (one grain, or even two grains if there should be great pain or restlessness) at bedtime, followed by Infusion of Senna (336), or Castor Oil (83), in the morning. To the swollen and painful joints a strong solution of Nitre (270) should be kept constantly applied; it generally affords great relief; if not, a Datura Poultice or moistened Datura leaf (or Tobacco leaf), applied as directed in Paragraph 130, may be tried.
Rheumatism, Chronic.
Here Sal Ammoniac (327) and Country Sarsaparilla (163) promise to be of much use. Chaulmúgra (94), Mudar (242), and Gulancha (352), have been advised, but in long-standing cases more benefit may be expected from Fish Liver Oil (142). The action of the skin may be kept up by Camphor, both internally and in the form of Vapour Bath (69), and by hot Infusion of Ginger (156) at bedtime, and by constantly wearing flannel next to the skin. Amongst external applications, Camphorated Opium Liniment (291) and Lemon Grass Oil (217) are the best; the others comprise liniments containing Camphor (68), Croton Oil (122), Oil of Country Nutmeg (274), Petroleum (410), Physic Nut Oil (302), Sulphur (343), and Turpentine (366); Piney Tallow (373) has been well spoken of. Should one or more joints be specially attacked, make trial of the applitions advised in Acute Rheumatism, or of Flour of Sulphur, as directed in Paragraph 343.
Rickets.
Fish Liver Oil (138) may be used with great advantage: it may be combined with Sulphate of Iron (177) if the child is weak and anæmic. Lime Water and Milk (222) forms an eligible ordinary drink.
Ringworm.
Apply Borax and Vinegar (60), Cassia alata Ointment (81), Unripe Papaw fruit (295), Sulphate of Copper (115), Oil of Turpentine (367), or Kerosene Oil (416).