Fever Scarlet Or Scarlatina
Sources:
Papers On Health
As a first precaution, when an epidemic
of this exists, children should be sponged twice a week all over with
hot vinegar before being put to bed. This is a powerful preventive. If
anything like sore throat appears, bathe the child's feet in hot water
until a free perspiration is produced. Dry well, under a blanket, and
rub all over with hot vinegar, then put the patient to bed. If in the
morning there is no evident fe
er, repeat the sponging with hot
vinegar, dry well, rub with hot olive oil, and dry again. If the fever
definitely develops, place the child in a light airy room, from which
all unnecessary carpets, curtains and furniture have been removed. No
one should enter this room except those on duty in nursing, nor should
any from the house ride in public conveyances or attend meetings. These
precautions are just as necessary in slight as in severe cases, as
infection from a mild case may cause a fatally severe attack in another
person.
Where the rash of the fever seems reluctant to appear, the SOAPY
BLANKET (see) will bring it out very speedily. But the above simple
treatment is usually sufficient. When vomiting is almost the first
symptom, six teaspoonfuls of hot water are to be taken every ten
minutes for an hour; then treat as above with foot-bath, hot vinegar,
and oil.
In a severe case have medical aid if at all possible. Where there is
great fever spread a large dry towel or sheet on the bed. Lay one wrung
out of lukewarm water on it; let the patient lie down on this.
Carefully wrap him up in the damp cloth, then over that wrap the dry
one, with a blanket outside over all, and the bedclothes above. This
will certainly soothe for a time. It may be repeated every two hours,
for twenty minutes or half-an-hour at a time, night and day, till the
fever is subdued.
For nourishment in succeeding weakness, give milk and boiling water,
mixed in equal parts, every two hours. If stimulants are required, give
CAYENNE "TEA" (see), reduced in strength until it just slightly
burns the mouth, half a teacupful every half-hour. Cool the head also
if necessary, as directed for typhoid fever.