ERYSIPELAS

ROSE, or ST. ANTHONY?’S FIRE, is a contagious disease of the skin due to infection by a germ, the Streptococcus. and accompanied by severe general disturbance. Cold, damp weather favours its appearance. It rarely affects those under fifteen years, and is commoner in women than men. The disease is characterized by sudden onset, with shivering, headache, vomiting, and occasionally sore throat, followed by the appearance of the typical erysipelatous flush on the skin of the affected part, most usually the face. This part becomes deep red, and is much swoHen, with a glo y, tender surface. It is definitely raised, and has a spreading edge merging into the normal parts around. In extreme sases there is marked disfigurement. Local treatment to allay pain and prevent spreading is by the application of lotions and ointments, and general treatment in the form of stimuJating foods is given to maintain strength. Serum treatment has been used, but so far there have been very 213 a ————_— eee —— Eee ERZBERGER conflicting results. The disease is not so common nor so fatal as previously.