The infant : a handbook of modern treatment / by Eric Pritchard.

  • Pritchard, Eric, 1864-1943.
Date:
1938
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The infant : a handbook of modern treatment / by Eric Pritchard. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    510/774 (page 484)
    The first-mentioned variety is however the common one, and responsible for the great majority of streptococcal skin infections. The lesions produced differ according as the infection is confined to the epidermis itself, or involves subcutaneous tissues. In the former case the lesion is of an impetiginous character, while in the latter case it may take the form of erysipelas, whitlows, or cellulitis. In the following account of the treatment of streptococcal infections of the skin, only the more common forms, namely, impetigo contagiosa, and erysipelas, will be described in detail. For the rarer conditions, such as exfoliative dermatitis of infancy (pityriasis rubra), perleche, or impetigo of the lips, elephantiasis nostras, or localized streptococcal elephantiasis, the reader is referred to some recognized text-book of dermatology. The treatment of the surgical conditions of cellulitis and whitlows, which are also streptococcic infections, hardly comes within the provinces of this book ; further, it must be remembered that a great many other skin lesions primarily of staphylococcal origin, are apt to become secondarily infected with streptococci. Impetigo Contagiosa (Contagious Impetigo of Tilbury Fox ; Impetigo Vulgaris) This is an inflammatory affection of the skin due to the presence of a virulent form of streptococcus, generally the streptococcus pyogenes, which gives rise to superficial vesicles, which in their turn rupture and form crusts of coagulated serum. The inocula¬ tion generally takes place through minute abrasions in the horny layer of the skin, the infective matter being conveyed from area to area or person to person by contaminated towels, furniture, toys, etc., and also by scratching to allay irritation of simple forms of dermatitis. Impetigo takes a bullous form in new-born babies (pemphigus neonatorum) owing to the ease with which the horny layer be¬ comes elevated in consequence of its macerated condition, and an ulcerated form on intertriginous areas where the contiguous surfaces are exposed to friction and dampness, such as those behind the ears, in the groins and in the thigh folds in fat babies. Treatment. Prophylactic. Owing to the fact that impetigo frequently com¬ plicates other skin lesions, such as urticaria, eczema, scabies, and pediculosis capitis, preventive means must take into account such possible eventualities, and include measures to deal with these primary troubles, and if necessary the application of antiseptic