Facts have abundantly shown that such measures
invariably prove the most effectual means of exasperating the disease,
and endangering life.
REGIMEN.--This must be most sparing. Cold water may be given whenever
the child asks for it. Lemonade should form the common drink during the
fever; and gruel, barley-water, and roasted apples are all else that is
required during this period, and not until the disease is going off
must any change be made in the diet.
The above period having arrived, mildly nutritious food should be
given, as chicken or mutton broth, beef-tea, arrow-root, tapioca, or
sago; to be followed in a few days by the wing of a chicken or a mutton
chop; remembering always, that solid animal food must at first be given
cautiously and sparingly. Wine or stimulants must be positively
forbidden; unless, indeed, ordered by the medical man, for
circumstances may arise which render them advisable.
The state of the bowels must be carefully attended to at this time.
THE ERUPTION.--In the natural and mild form of this disorder the
pustules generally break from the sixth to the eighth day; dry scabs
succeed; and in about nine or ten days the parts heal perfectly,
requiring no treatment. In the more aggravated cases, however, in which
the pustules are very numerous, running one into the other, and,
bursting, discharge greatly, the whole surface of the body should be
frequently and liberally dusted over with dried flour, or, what is
better, starch powder.
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