–This is a constitutional state which manifests itself in peculiarly intractable inflammations, particularly of the skin, eyes and eyelids, glands and bowels, and in consumption of the lungs. These inflammations are described under their several headings, but a word may be said of the constitution. It is inherited, but it may be remedied to a large extent, if not entirely. There are two types of the scrofulous constitution; the fat, pale, fair, sluggish child constitutes an example of one type; the thin, active, restless child, with large, dark eyes and long lashes, is the pattern of the other.
General Treatment.–Fresh air, warmth, good wholesome diet, into which milk largely enters, and sweets not at all, are the principal general measures by which scrofula may be combated. Cod-liver oil two or three times a day should be given wherever it is tolerated, and rubbing the child with cod-liver oil at night will induce vital reaction when nothing else will. Married people who know themselves to be affected with the tendency should submit to treatment, and their children are much more likely to escape.
Medicines.–(To be taken twice daily, night and morning, for one or two weeks, and then suspended for the same period, and again resumed.)
Calcarea carb. 6.
–This medicine corresponds to the first mentioned type–that of sluggish children.
If the head perspires at night the perspiration is not offensive.
Silicea 3.
–Is more suited to thin, restless children. When there is perspiration it is offensive.
Phosphorus 3.
–If there is any tendency to chest affections.
Sulphur 6.
–When there are irritable eruptions, worse at night, sour perspiration, constipation, hot head and cold feet.