Rash.—­Just before the rash appears there is a headache, nausea and irritation of the bronchial tubes.  The eruption is so similar to that of measles at the outset that it is hard to differentiate between them.  The eruption in the mouth, however, is not so characteristic.  Before the appearance of the eruption, the glands on the back of the neck and angles of the jaw may be enlarged.  At the time of its appearance the glands in the armpits and groin become enlarged to the size of a bean and bigger, and they remain enlarged for weeks after the eruption has disappeared.

Treatment.—­Similar to the measles if any is needed.

Chicken pox (Varicella).—­This is an acute infectious disease, characterized by a peculiar eruption.  Children are the ones usually attacked.  It generally occurs before the tenth year.  It is transmitted through the atmosphere.  The period of coming on is usually fourteen days, but it may extend to nineteen days.  It is perhaps the simplest and mildest disease of childhood.  It occurs but once, is contagious, is very common, and resembles varioloid.  It has a mild light fever and large vesicles almost the size of a split pea, scattered over the body.  There may be few and there may be hundreds.  They are reddish gray and appear first on the head and face, then on the body, one crop following another on the body.  They are filled at first with a clear liquid, which soon turns yellowish, then breaks and dries up.  They leave no scar unless they are scratched or are very large.  The patient is usually well in a week, but the scars last longer.

Mother’s remedy.—­1.  Chicken Pox, Catnip Tea and Soda Water for.—­“Put the patient to bed and give catnip tea.  A daily bath of saleratus water is good and the bowels should be kept open.”  One of the most essential things is to keep the patient warm.

[180 Mothers’ remedies]

Physicians’ treatment for chicken pox.—­Exclude other children.  The child should be lightly fed and on ordinary food.  Large vesicles on the face, when yellow, should be pricked with a needle that has been boiled, then wash them with a disinfecting lotion twice daily.

The following is a good lotion: 

Boric Acid       1/2 ounce (4 teaspoonfuls)
Boiled Water       1 pint

Mix thoroughly and use twice a day on the eruption.

The child should not pick the sores on his face, as this may cause delay in healing and leave a mark.

Mumps (Parotitis).—­This is an acute infectious disease of one or both of the parotid glands, located at the angle of the jaw, and extending up to the ear, and, also, to other salivary glands.  It appears only once.  One attack gives immunity.  It may come at any age; but appears mostly before the age of fifteen.  It comes on one side first and may pass over to the other side in a few days, as it usually does, and gives the face a broad appearance,