Pemphigus

Pemphigus, or POMPHOLYX, belongs to that order of skin diseases which is characterised by an eruption of large vesicles, filled with serous fluid, and known as bullæ. The disease occurs both in the acute and in the chronic form. In a mild case of acute pemphigus, bullæ, or blisters, from the size of a pea to that of a chestnut, appear in succession (chiefly on the extremities), and having continued three or four days break, form a thin scab, and soon heal, unaccompanied with febrile or inflammatory symptoms. In severe cases there is considerable constitutional disturbance, the bullæ are larger, and the scabs heal with difficulty. The chronic form differs mainly from the acute by its prolonged continuance. The acute variety chiefly affects children, and has been ascribed to dentition, errors of diet, &c.; while the chronic form chiefly attacks aged persons, and is probably due to debility and impaired nutrition. The acute form usually requires nothing but cooling medicines and diet, and mild local dressings, such as simple cerate, to protect the raw surfaces from exposure to the air. In the chronic form a nutritious diet, with the judicious use of tonics (iron, bark, &c.), is most commonly successful. In obstinate cases arsenic is sometimes of use.