RTPIA is a somewhat severe form of skin disease. It is characterized by flattish, distinct bnike or blebs, containing a serous, purulent, or sanious fluid, which become changed into thick scabs. Several varieties of this disease have been established by der matologists. In its simplest form, the blebs are not preceded by any inflammatory symptoms, are about an inch in diameter, and contain a fluid which is originally thin and transparent, but soon thickens, becomes purulent, and dries into brown ragged scabs, which are elevated in the center. The scabs are easily separated, and leave ulcerated surfaces, on which several successive scabs usually form before healing ensues. In a more severe form, known as rupia prominens, the scab projects so much in the center as to resemble a limpet-shell in form.
Rupia is a chronic disease, and is usually limited to the limbs, the loins, and the nates. It is not contagious, and generally attacks persons debilitated by old age, intem
perance, bad living, or previous especially small-pox, scarlatina, and syphilis. The general treatment consists mainly in the administration of tonics, such as quinia, the mineral acids, ale, wine, animal food, etc. Sonic writers strongly recommend the tincture of serpentaria; and there is no doubt that certain eases which will not yield to tonics, rapidly improve when treated with iodide of potassium. The local treatment consists in puncturing the blebs as soon as they arise, in removing the scabs by ponitic inn., and in applying a slightly stimulating application—such as a solution of nitrate of silver—to the subjacent ulcers. The disease is frequently tedious and obstinate, but the patient almost always ultimately records.