In the more rare and severe form of this disease, viz. the confluent
small-pox, although in some instances it runs the same course as the
milder form, the distinct or natural small-pox, still, usually, the
constitutional symptoms are much more aggravated, and the medical and
general treatment required will so much depend upon the character of
the individual case, that we do not think it well to notice it here.
BED AND BED-ROOM.--It will not be necessary at first for the child to
be confined to his bed, but generally about the third or fourth day he
will gladly resort to it; and if he does not, it will be prudent to
keep him there. He must not, however, be loaded with bed-clothes, but
lightly covered; and the bed and body linen should be changed daily, if
possible.
The bed-room should be capacious and well ventilated; fresh air
frequently admitted; and if the season of the year permit, and there is
no dampness of atmosphere, a window should be constantly open during
the day: it is also desirable to keep the chamber darkened in all
cases, as there is always a tendency to inflammation of the eyes.
If these directions are not regarded, and a great heat of the
apartment is permitted, with abundance of bed-clothes heaped upon the
child, the hot bath is used, and hot and stimulating regimen given
(upon the old and erroneous notion of bringing out the eruption), the
mildest case will inevitably be converted into one of the most severe
and dangerous.
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