The size, shape, inflammatory action, and the depraved general condition, the distribution and lesser-contagiousness will distinguish it from impetigo contagiosa; and the absence of concomitant symptoms of syphilis, and of positive ulceration, as well as its distribution and more rapid and inflammatory course, will exclude the pustular syphiloderm.
State the prognosis.
The disease is readily curable, disappearing upon the removal of the predisposing cause and the employment of local antiseptic applications.
What treatment is to be advised?
Good food, proper hygiene and tonic remedies; and, locally, removal of the crusts and stimulation of the underlying surface with an ointment of ammoniated mercury, ten to thirty grains to the ounce.
The following mild antiseptic lotion, which materially lessens the tendency to the formation of new lesions, may be applied to the affected region two or three times daily:—
℞ Acidi borici, .................................... ʒiv
Resorcini, ....................................... ʒij
Glycerinæ, ...................................... fʒij
Alcoholis, ...................................... f℥j
Aquæ, ....................q.s. ad. ............... Oj. M.
A weak lotion of thymol, corrosive sublimate or ichthyol would doubtless be equally effectual.
Pemphigus.
What do you understand by pemphigus?