Science.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 429, 11 August 1904, Page 7

Science.

TREATMENT FOB MEASLES.

rmust alwayß be remembered that no treatment yet known is able to lessen by a day the duration of any of the infectious diseases, but judicious treatment may mitigate their severity and lessen their mortality. We may therefore consider this question ia its preventive and its mitigative aspects.

FbSVENTIVE,

Inoculation has already bsen condemned, so that we moat rely upon early diagaosis with a view to effectual isolation. Careful search for Koplik's spots is here of great vales. A free supply of pure water, efficient ventilation, and attention to the general health are, after ali, the best means towards prevention.

Mitigative

This includes hygienic conditions also necessary te its prevention, and, further, dietetic and medicinal means. So far as diet goes, common sense will tell us that there caa be nothing but mischief expected from giving food suitable to health to a patient whose appetite is lost, because ! his digestion :'s impaired by fever of any sort. Milk foods, or milk itself, milk puddings, and farinaceous preparations, such as Benger's or Mellin's Foods, are often of much value, and well-made beeftea must not be overlooked When we come to the question of medicines serious warning must be given. In an ordinary case no medicine of any sort whatsoever is required. If the rash is delayed, moderate doses of chlorate of potash sometimes determine it to the skin, and improvement of the condition seems to follow this. We have seen that di&rrlee* is frequent. This is not a good sign, and consequently the giving of fever and teething powders in a case of measles cannot be too strongly condemned, When complications, such as bconchc-pneumonia, oocnr, medical attention must be constant The doctor in attendance will see to the drugs that are needed, but the parents ought to apply poultices or hot fomentations frequently. In the case of young children mustard or irritating applications should never be used. A well-made linseed poultice is as socthisg as can be desired, and this should be applied every four hours, keeping it on fcr about three hours. After the poultices slightly warm sponging with toilet vinegar (one teaspoonful to a pint of waiin water) will often holp the little patient towards a sound sleep in which the inflamed lang Will get a rest. Over and above, it removes the nasty smell of the linseed, and subßtitutis for it a moat pleasant perfume, Mention was maae of the principles that should be followed when eyes and ears are affect d. If the eyes are bad the room should be darkened, but is other cases good sunlight is desirable. When recovery occurs in some cases convalescence is prolonged and requires constant care. If ossible, a few weeks spent at the coa*Bt will hasten it.