Syphilis

(sif’-e-lis). Venereal disease, specific and contagious. There are three stages, the one marked by primary symptoms, the second a period of outbreak, and the third certain well-marked sequelæ. In dre ing all sores in these cases the nurse must be most careful to use forceps, and to burn soiled dre ings. Where mercury is given watch for symptoms of poisoning. Infantile syphilis is inherited; the infant looks wizened and old; head large. There is a coppery stain on the buttocks, or a mucous patch at the anus.