ERYTHEMATOUS AFFECTIONS.
The prominent features, eruption, and itching of eczematous affections are purely local. Erythematous affections are, however, remarkable for their symptoms of constitutional disorder. Each of these affections is preceded by intense febrile excitement and nervous debility. In brief, the local manifestations are simply signs of general internal disorders; hence, the treatment should be directed to the restoration of the system. This group includes erythema, erysipelas, and urticaria.
Erythema. A vivid and partial flushing of the face is produced by a superficial inflammation of the skin, termed erythema. There are many stages of this disease, from the instantaneous transient flush caused by emotional excitement, to the protracted inflammation and swelling of erythema nodosum.
The affection is characterized by a flush which is at first a bright vivid scarlet, but which changes to a deep purplish tint. There is a slight elevation of the skin, sometimes accompanied by itching. In the second stage of development, the flush subsides, the skin has a yellowish or bruised appearance, and a few minute scales are formed. In erythema papulosum, a fine representation of which is given in Colored Plate III, Fig. 18, there is an eruption of red pimples or pustules. The prominent feature of erythema nodosum, a variety of erythema which affects those portions of the skin exposed to the sun, is the appearance of a large swelling, usually lasting four or five days and attended by constitutional symptoms, such as nausea, fever, languor, and despondency. The disease is associated with the symptoms incident to a disordered nervous system and sometimes results fatally, in other cases, it terminates in melancholy and mania.
Causes. The predisposing causes of erythema are constitutional debility, changes of climate and temperature, and irritating food or medicines. Locally, it may be produced by friction and the heat of the sun.
Erysipelas. There are few adult persons in this country who have not, by observation or experience, become somewhat familiar with this disease. Its manifestations are both constitutional and local, and their intensity varies exceedingly in different cases. The constitutional symptoms are usually the first to appear, and are of a febrile character. A distinct chill, attended by nausea and general derangement of the stomach is experienced, followed by febrile symptoms more or less severe. There are wandering pains in the body and sometimes a passive delirium exists. Simultaneously with these symptoms the local manifestations of the disease appear. A red spot develops on the face the ear, or other part of the person. Its boundary is clearly marked and the affected portion slightly raised above the surrounding surface. It is characterized by a burning pain and is very sensitive to the touch. It is not necessary for the information of the general reader that we should draw a distinction between the different varieties of this malady. The distinctions made are founded chiefly upon the depth to which the morbid condition extends, and not on any difference in the nature of the affection.
Suppuration of the tissues involved is common in the severer forms. Should the tongue become dark and diarrhea set in, attended with great prostration, the case is very serious, and energetic means should be employed to save life. A retrocession of the inflammation from the surface to a vital organ is an extremely dangerous symptom.
The disease is not regarded as contagious, but has been known to become epidemic.