[Chronic inflammatory diseases of the skin / Extracted from his "Commentaries on Diseases of the Skin."].

  • Thomson, Anthony Todd, 1778-1849
Date:
[1839-1840]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: [Chronic inflammatory diseases of the skin / Extracted from his "Commentaries on Diseases of the Skin."]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    appearance of the eruption, it is probable that the same con¬ dition of habit, which predisposes to the formation of the dys¬ peptic affection, also renders the skin susceptible to the attack of Herpes, without any direct connection existing between the two diseases. Children, who are the subjects of this form of Herpes, are more liable to duodenal -dyspepsia than adults. Herpes circinatus is also often present in that condition of the habit which has been termed strumous dyspepsia. I have frequently observed it accompanying rheumatism in young girls. It is not contagious; but it seems to be occa¬ sionally epidemic; as it appears in several children in the same school, and even district, at the same time. D. The peculiar annular form of this variety of Herpes, namely, a reddish spot surrounded by a circle of minute vesicles, distinguishes it from all other vesicular diseases. When it appears on the scalp, it might be mistaken for that pustular eruption which is named Porrigo scutulata. But, independent of the pustular and contagious character of that disease, the fall of the hair where it attacks the hairy scalp, the hard, thick scabs that succeed the pustules, and the protracted course which it runs, are sufficient diagnostic cha¬ racters to distinguish it from Herpes circinatus. T. Herpes circinatus requires no internal treatment, un¬ less it extends widely over the body; in which case some mild aperients may be administered. The best topical appli¬ cations are alkaline lotions, consisting of liquor Potassse and Bitter-almond emulsion, in the proportion of two drachms of the former to six ounces of the latter; or weak solutions of Biborate of Soda, or of Sulphate of Zinc, or of Sulphate of Iron, which are superior to ink, so commonly employed. I have found the simple application of pledgets of lint, dipped in cold water, and frequently renewed, as recommended by Bayer, answer the purpose as well as any of the above- mentioned lotions*. The use of the flesh-brush is a good prophylactic in incipient Herpes circinatus, in those liable to frequent attacks of itf. * Traite Theorique et Pratique des Maladies de la Peau, t. i. p. 246. f Underwood on the Diseases of Children, 8th ed. page 459.