#How do these several diseases differ from pemphigus?#
The acute course, small lesions, concentric arrangement, variegated
colors, and distribution, in herpes iris; the thick, bulky, greenish
crusts, the underlying ulceration, the course, history, and the presence
of concomitant symptoms of syphilis, in the bullous syphiloderm; the
history, course, distribution, the character of the crusting, and the
contagious and auto-inoculable properties of the contents of the
lesions, in impetigo contagiosa; the tendency to appear in groups, the
smaller lesions, the intense itchiness, course, multiform characters of
the eruption and the disposition to change of type in dermatitis
herpetiformis,--will serve as differential points.
#State the prognosis of pemphigus.#
Its duration is uncertain, and the issue may in severe cases be fatal.
In the milder types, after months or several years, recovery may take
place.
The extent and severity of the disease and the general condition of the
patient are always to be considered before an opinion is expressed.
Pemphigus neonatorum usually ends fatally.
#Give the treatment of pemphigus.#
Both constitutional and local measures are demanded. Good nutritious
food and hygienic regulations are essential. Arsenic and quinia are the
most valuable remedies. The former, in occasional instances, seems to
have a specific influence, and should always be tried, beginning with
small doses and increasing gradually to the point of tolerance and
continued for several weeks or longer. The remedy should not be set
aside as long as there are signs of improvement, unless the supervention
of stomachic, intestinal or other disturbance demand its discontinuance.
Other tonics, such as iron, strychnia and cod-liver oil, are also at
times of service.
The blebs should be opened and the parts anointed or covered with a mild
ointment. In more general cases bran, starch and gelatin baths, and in
severe cases the continuous bath, if practicable, are to be used.
#CLASS III.--HEMORRHAGES.#
#Purpura.#
#Define purpura.#
Purpura is a hemorrhagic affection characterized by the appearance of
variously-sized, usually non-elevated, smooth, reddish or purplish spots
or patches, not disappearing under pressure.
#Name the several varieties met with.#
Three--purpura simplex, purpura rheumatica and purpura haemorrhagica;
denoting, respectively, the mild, moderate
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