Leprosy

(lep’-ro-se). A constitutional malignant disease, cutaneous in its earlier stages, but afterwards involving both ti ue and bone. The first stage may last days or months; there are pains in the limbs, la itude, and feverish attacks. The second stage is eruptive, and the blotches on the skin come and go. In the third stage the disease becomes either nodular (lepra tuberculosa) or blotched (lepra maculosa); if the blotches become white, and anæsthesia sets in, it is called white leprosy. Later, ulceration and mortification come on, and joints and limbs die and drop off. The two chief remedies are gurjun oil and chaulmoogra oil. Both are taken internally; also gurjun oil and lime water is rubbed in for two hours daily, or chaulmoogra oil and lard is rubbed in for the two hours. The nurse must carry out precautions against contagion, though the disease is not supposed to be contagious. Diet liberal, including plenty of meat and beer; fresh air, and exercise.