Diseases of the skin : an outline of the principles and practice of dermatology / by Malcolm Morris.

  • Morris, Malcolm Alexander, Sir, 1849-1924.
Date:
1899
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Diseases of the skin : an outline of the principles and practice of dermatology / by Malcolm Morris. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by King’s College London. The original may be consulted at King’s College London.

    139/658 (page 93)
    drugs, notably mercury, would seem to have played an important part in its causation (see Chapter XI.); but the fact that erythema scarlatinifonne may occur when the possible influence of drugs or toxic agents of any kind can be absolutely ex- cluded justifies us in placing it provisionally among the erythemata proper. Kheumatism, ague, syphilis, and alcoholism have been indicated as possible causes of the affection, but in all these cases it is obvious that the real source of the mischief may be mercury, salicylate of soda, or some other drug. Erythema scarlatiniforme derives its chief import- ance from its resemblance to scaidet fever. This is so close that the most experienced observer may be unable to give a definite opinion as to the nature of the rash during the first few days. The most striking point of distinction is the early commencement of desquamation in erythema scarlatiniforme, and the fact that it begins when the eruption is still in the florid stage—as early as the second day, if the patches are carefully examined with the lens,* and at latest on the third or fourth day. Again, in scarlet fever the eruption does not last longer than ten days, whereas in erythema scarlatiniforme it persists several weeks, and sometimes indefinitely. In the case of a person who has had previous attacks, the history will often be helpful; but in all cases it will always be safest to isolate the patient till the diagnosis is clear. It is probable that in some at least of the cases in which recurrence of scarlet fever has been reported the disease in one or other of the attacks has really been erythema scarlatiniforme. From pityriasis rubra, to which the affection under consideration bears a good deal of resemblance, it may be dis- tinguished by the less general diffusion of the scaliness and by the repetition of the desquamative process. * ]3eanier and Doyon : Op. cit., vol. i., p. 341.