axatives. Calcined
magnesia is valuable as a laxative. Intestinal antiseptics, such as
salol, thymol, and sodium salicylate, are valuable in cases probably due
to intestinal toxins. In those exceptional instances in which there may
be associated febrile action and rheumatic swelling of the joints, the
patient should be kept in bed till these symptoms subside. Local
applications are rarely required, but in those exceptional cases in
which itching or burning is present, cooling lotions of alcohol and
water or vinegar and water are to be prescribed. The vesicular and
bullous types demand mild protective applications, such as used in
eczema and pemphigus.

#Erythema Nodosum.#
(_Synonym:_ Dermatitis contusiformis.)

#What is erythema nodosum?#

Erythema nodosum is an inflammatory affection, of an acute type,
characterized by the formation of variously-sized, roundish, more or
less elevated erythematous nodes.

#Is there any special region of predilection for the eruption of erythema
nodosum?#

Yes. The tibial surfaces, to which the eruption is often limited; not
infrequently, however, other parts may be involved, more especially the
arms and forearms.

#Describe the symptoms of erythema nodosum.#

The eruption makes its appearance suddenly, and is usually ushered in
with febrile disturbance, gastric uneasiness, malaise, and rheumatic
pains and swelling about the joints. The lesions vary in size from a
cherry to a hen's egg, are rounded or ovalish, tender and painful, have
a glistening and tense look, and are of a bright red, erysipelatous
color which merges gradually into the sound skin. At first they are
somewhat hard, but later they soften and appear as if about to break
down, but this, however, never occurs, absorption invariably taking
place. In occasional instances they are hemorrhagic. Exceptionally the
lesions of erythema multiforme are also present. Lymphangitis is
sometimes observed. In rare instances symptoms pointing to visceral
involvement, to cerebral invasion, and to heart complications have been
observed.

#Are the lesions in erythema nodosum usually numerous?#

No. As a rule not more than five to twenty nodes are present.

#What is the course of erythema nodosum?#

Acute. The disease terminating usually in one to three weeks. As the
lesions are disappearing they present the various changes of color
observed in an ordinary bruise.

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