Page:Skin Diseases of Children.djvu/123

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VARIOUS SKIN DISEASES OF CHILDREN.
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sometimes noted. An examination of the blood will sometimes reveal the presence of malarial organisms.

The eruption always tends to a spontaneous recovery and usually shows no disposition to recur. While no medicinal treatment is absolutely necessary, a saline laxative at the outset will often do some good, and may be followed by the administration of salicylate of soda.

Locally a lead-and-opium wash, or a lotion of zinc oxide in lime water, will tend to allay the burning pain or tenderness of

Fig. 54.—Erythema nodosum.

the lesions, which is often a distressing symptom, and rest in bed for a few days is desirable during the height of the attack.

Purpura, or idiopathic hemorrhage into the cutaneous tissues, results from many causes and occurs in connection with various diseases. It is usually characterized by small petechial or larger guttate spots, which are at first of a bright claret hue, but which rapidly assume a dull-purplish color. The eruption is readily distinguishable from an erythema or any inflammatory exanthem, since the redness does not disappear under firm pressure of the finger.

In purpura simplex the lesions are commonly symmetrical and seen upon the legs, but in children more frequently than