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Lupus.It begins as small yellow or red points which project somewhat above the surface of the skin, and are usually arranged in groups. They occasion no itching or pain. After a time these points become ulcerated -that is, raw - at the top ; this ulceration slowly increases in extent and often includes several of the pimples m which the disease began. After the ulcer has attained a certain size it begins to heal at one side, while it is constantly extending in other directions. The scar which is formed as the ulcer heals is at first red, but gradually becomes white and shiny. This form of lupus usually begins during childhood, and although it may affect any part of the body it is especially common on the face. Its favorite seat is at the angle of the nose, or just below the eye ; it may also begin around the ear. As the disease progresses, the nose - if this be the part first affected - is gradually destroyed ; the sore becomes covered with thick dark crusts, which often close the openings of the nostrils. Bleeding from the nose is an occasional symptom. The disease spreads backward along the nostrils, and may affect the palate as well. The disease may also attack the upper lip as well as the nose ; the lip becomes very thick and everted, so that the patient loses control of the lips to a certain extent and cannot articulate distinctly, nor take his food with comfort. In time the gums are attacked, become soft and bleed easily ; finally the teeth are loosened and fall out. In bad cases the entire cavity of the mouth is a mass of ulcers. The disease may progress and attack the larynx, in which case the voice becomes hoarse or is altogether lost. Lupus may affect other parts of the body also ; next to the face, the legs are most frequently the seat of the disease. We sometimes see cases in which the leg, almost all the way from the knee to the ankle, is covered with lupus scars, composed of thin, smooth, glistening skin, while somewhere on the surface there will be an open ulcer surrounded by the characteristic pimples. Lupus may also affect the eyelids, the ear and the genitals. It rarely occasions any considerable loss of substance - that is, ulceration - until it has existed for several years. No one but a practiced physician will be able to distinguish lupus from several other affections which present an appearance to that of this disease Syphilis often causes ulcers which can scarcely be distinguished by their appearance, though the distinction can be made by the duration of the disease, for syphilis progresses far more rapidly than lupus ; in a few months syphilis can cause an ulcer as large as that which would be produced by lupus in as many years. In other cases it becomes very difficult to distinguish lupus from a form of cancer which affects the skin. The recognition of the disease, therefore - the diagnosis, as it is technically called - can be made by a physician only, and usually only by one especially familiar with diseases of the skin. Treatment.-In many cases sufferers from lupus are evidently scrofulous, and need the treatment which is required by scrofulous patients. For this purpose cod liver oil may be given, a teaspoonful at first, the quantity being gradually increased to a tablespoonful or two three times a day. Children may also take with advantage the following prescription : Syrup of the iodide of iron - - One ounce. Glycerine, - - - - - One ounce. Water, - - - - - - Two ounces. Mix, and take a teaspoonful after meals. If the individual be not of a scrofulous habit, he may take the following prescription : Iodide of potassium, - Four drachms. Fowler's solution, - Two drachms. Syrup of sarsaparilla, - Four ounces. Mix, and take a teaspoonful before meals. The most important of the treatment is usually the local applications. These vary according to the severity of the case. If there be but little ulceration, the mercurial ointment may be applied by smearing it upon soft cloths which are then laid upon the diseased surface. This should always be tried in the treatment of lupus in children. If this do not succeed, the following mixture may be prepared : Iodine, ------ One drachm. Iodide of potassium, - Two drachms. Glycerine, ------ Three ounces. This may be painted upon the ulcerated surface and its vicinity three times a day. Another valuable application is chrysophanic acid, which may be used in the form of an ointment: Chrysophanic acid, - Two drachms. Vaseline, - - One ounce. This may be applied directly to the ulcerated surface. Cases are found in which all these applications prove ineffectual. In such instances there are several measures to be employed, any one of which can usually be relied upon to secure a good result. The first of these is the use of what is called the " sharp spoon," an instrument by which the diseased surface can be thoroughly rasped and the tissue removed. Such treatment must, however, be used only by the physician. But first, if you want to come back to this web site again, just add it to your bookmarks or favorites now! Then you'll find it easy! Also, please consider sharing our helpful website with your online friends.
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