ROSA'CEA, known also as GETTA ROMA and ACNE ROSACEA, is a disease which usu ally first appears at or near the cnd of the nose; and in some cases it is confined to the nose, while in others it extends to the checks, forehead, chin, or even to the whole face. The skin in the part effected assumes a deep red color, which usually disappears after a time, but returns either on no special provocation, or in consequence, apparently of some gastric disturbance, and after a time becomes permanent; pustules of acne—a chronic pustular disease of the skin—now appear, and their yellowness contrasts strongly with the redness with which they are surrounded. The skin of the diseased part becomes irregularly swollen, and is marked with blue or red streaks, caused by conges tion and enlargement of the capillaries; the whole surface, in a severe case, presenting a very disagreeable and repulsive appearance. This affection is no doubt often is result of intemperate living, but it may occur in persons of regular habits of life. Disorder of the digestive system is so often associated with it as to exclude the idea that the combi nation is accidental, and the skin disease may often with great probability be referred to gastric disturbance as the exciting cause. The disease is confined almost exclusively to persons in middle or advanced life, and women are especially liable to it about the period in which what is popularly known as the "change of life" occurs: moreover, it has occasionally been observed to be hereditary. The general treatment consists in the
administration of the compounds of iodine and mercury (singly or conjoined) in altera tive doses, and Donovan's solution has been especially recommended; and a nourishing but bland and non-stimulating diet should be prescribed. In the early stages of the dis ease the local treatment should be soothing. Emollient lotions, such as emulsion of bitter almonds, cream, glycerine, tc., may he occasionally used during the day, and in revere cases a bread poultice may be applied to the face at night. When the affection becomes indolent the emollients should lie gradually replaced by stimulating applica tions, such as Eau de Cologne, or a solution of corrosive sublimite in alcohol, in the proportion of from 1 to 2 grains in the pint; and at a still later stage iodide of sulphur ointment, in the proportion of 15 grains, or a scruple of the iodide to an ounce of lard, is well deserving of a trial. When the disease is of long standing it sometimes defies all knoWn remedies.