The Carson daily appeal. [volume] (Carson City, Nev.) 1865-1870, 1870-02-08
SCARLET FEVER.

gests The proprie'y of reprin'ing the fol
loving remarks upon that disease. W,
6ud it in the Hearth and Home b,
which paper it is ascribed to "An Emf
men, Physician -
Scarlet-fever is defined to be febrile dis
ease, the product of specific poison which
is reproduced during the progress of the af
fiction. Like smallpox, it spreads by infec
ton and contagion. The contagious principle
is exceedingly subtle. 1t fills the atmosphere
of the rooms of the sick, aud cIings with des.
perate tenacity to clohing. A strip of flannel
NAV remain contagious for upward of a wear;
and cloak put on eighteen months after its
exposure has communicated the disease.
III fact shows the necessity of thorough
ventilation ofthe rooms of the sick, and vi
the complete di>infection Of all articles OF
clothing used about them. IL also proves that
those who visit the sick of scarlet fever are
very liable to carry the poison in their cloth
ing, and disseminate it widely. 1t very often
happens that 1t is quite impossible to trace
the origin of an outbreak of scarlet-feser in
family. 1t may occur first in the infant
who has never been out of DOORS In such
cases, it is undoubtedly introduced bv the
clothing OF some person who has visited the
room Of one sick oftai, disease Physicians
undoubtedly often transport the poison from
family 20 family and many are so impressed
with the danger that they always wash their
hands, aud thoroughly change or vertilate
their clothing, before visiting other patients.
Inc period OF incubation of the poison varies
from a few hours to one we, k. The first
symptom Is generally vomiting fever soon
sets In the throat is slightly sore there is
headache; thirst, restlessness, and slight de-
iIrlum at night. These symptoms continue
about forty-eight hours, when the ra sh makes
lis appearance over the lower part of the neck
and upper part ofthe chest. This rash Is of
bright scarlet in healthy persons, having a
velVety appearance, but not raised or rough.
On the second day If the RASH it spreads over
the body, and OF the third over the limbs
At this period II begins to fade on the chest
and body, and about the third day from its
appearance on the hands and feet, it di>ap-
pears altogether. Il returns, however, as q
Eight blush for several days, with more or less
lever Win the suosidence Of the eruption
there appears over the BODY a dandruf- like
scurf, which consists of the sc,rf-skin or
scales, loosened and thrown off by the fever
IN the skin. This is called the desQuamative
Stage, and is dangerous, from the fact that
the removal of This outer coating renders the
patient peculiarly liable to suppression of
perspirstion on the slightest exposur. t cold.
A careful observer can determine the onset
OF scarlet fever before the eruption appears
oy examining the tongue and throat. These |
surfaces VIII be found red, and that of the |
tongue will have the appearance of straw
berry The disease may begin quite diff |
ferentIy. The affection of the throat NAV be |
the principal symptom, with swelling, and |
out small amount Of rash or the patient
may be suddenly overwhelmed with the
poison, anG die without an eruption.
N SDerifit. remerv h,s b,,r
scariet-f-ver. BelIadonna has been extern
siveiy employed; but no positive results have
been obtained. Jud.cious n Irsing is far more
important than medicines The patienr
should be placed in a room having uniform
tsmperature. day and night. Of about 6S to 20
deg, well aired, without exposure 70 draughts
OF air; in this room he should remain until
thoroughly we'll, unless it be summer season
The clothing should be high, during the rash,
and increased after it, and not be changed
uniii e"nvalescenee is thoroughly established
COLO drinks should be given very sparingIy
but the body NAV be spanged over frequently
when the skin is hot. 1t is well to pat a ligh,
flannel scarf around the neck, and to apply
eamphorated oil daily freely around and under
the angie of the jaw. The diet should con-
ISL OF rlce-water, or similar simple liquid
until the eruption subsidies
when II may be Solid but must still be SIM
pie, as rice, farina, ETC.
II the early stages Of the fever are passed
IN safety, the danger will depend upon the
exposure OF the new tender surface to cold, {
ana the resulting drOpsy. 1t is surprising
how sensitive the denuded body is to cold {
.he change Of an article of clothing. the lower
ing OF the temperature of the room al night,
stepping into a room having a lower tenn
perature, are but few of the many ways of so
chilling the skin as to suppress perspiration
and induce dropsy. Its for this rea son tina,
tne night cases are more often f,lloaed by
serious conseque nces; less care is taken of |
!helr clothing and surroundings than of the
severely SICK In the early stages.
There are two simple methods of rendering
PATIENTS less liable to dropsy ater scarlet-feyer
ne hr>t is by rubbing them over frequently
win fatty substances. as lard or OIL and thus =
orming coasting which supplies in par, the
oss OF the scarf-skin. The second is. fire..
iuent warm baths during convalescence thew
IRE very grateful, and tend to prevent internal
;ongestlons, while they increase the action
II the skin. As in the BATH the old skin ,
separates, and as this is charged with the
'oison of scarlet-fever, great care should be
aXen to remove the refuse water beyond the
each Of exposure, or disnfect it.
NO case OF scarlet-fever, however simple,
mould be unattended by = competent physi- Z
ian.
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