Jellurium 6. For obstinate cases, when a great part of the skin is affected.
ACCESSORIES. Strict cleanliness of person; friction; an occasional tepid bath; if the skin become irritable it may be occasionally washed in bran-water (a handful of bran boiled in a quart of water); generous diet; for the impoverished, Cod-liver- oil; change of air.
To prevent contagion the affected child should be kept apart from all others; his towels, brushes, etc., should on no account be used by any one else, and they should be thoroughly disinfected; some disinfectant should also be freely used in his room.
LXII Itch (Scabies).
The disease is caused by the presence of a minute insect which burrows under the skin, and gives rise to an unbearable itching. The eruption presents numerous small watery pimples, and appears most frequently between the fingers, on the bend of the arms, or on the thighs and buttocks, and lower part of the abdomen. The irritation increases at night and in bed.
TREATMENT. The local application of Sulphur-ointment is the most effective means for destroying the insects. After thoroughly rubbing the whole body with soft-soap and warm water, then washing in a hot bath, or with hot water, and wiping thoroughly dry, the ointment should be well rubbed in and allowed to remain all night. On the following morning, a tepid bath, using yellow soap, completes the cure. If the application of the ointment and the ablutions be not thorough, the process should be repeated. All contaminated linen should be boiled in water; other garments should be well ironed with a hot iron, or exposed to hot air at a temperature not less than 150* or 180* Fahr., of well fumigated with the vapour of Sulphur. The cure is often retarded, and the disease conveyed to others, by neglecting to carry out these suggestions. A solution of Sulphur and Soda will eradicate both vegetable and animal insects, and may be prepared as follows:
Rx Common Soda, half-ounce.
Flower of sulphur, half-ounce.
Water, half-pint.
Simmer for half an hour. After well washing with soap, apply the clear liquid to the part, and allow it to dry on. A thin layer of Sulphur is deposited, which may remain for twelve hours, and then be washed off with a little vinegar and water. In very young children, water may be added to the lotion before use.
REMEDIES. Sepia, Calcarea carb., and Sulph are useful, administered internally.
LICENTIATE OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS; MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS; LICENTIATE IN MIDWIFERY, LONDON AND EDINBURGH, ETC. PHYSICIAN TO THE READING AND BERKSHIRE HOMOEOPATHIC DISPENSARY.
Author of "The Stepping Stone to Homeopathy and Health,"
"Manual of Homoeopathic Treatment". Editor of "The Homoeopathic World."