The passage discusses several medical topics, including the discovery of a spirillum in syphilitic patients by Schaudinn and Hoffmann, the nature of psoriasis, and the treatment of spastic constipation.
1. **Spirillum in Syphilis**: Schaudinn and Hoffmann discovered a spirillum in syphilitic patients, which they found in surface papules, chancres, and deeper lymphatic tissues. While this discovery is significant, it has not been widely accepted due to previous failed attempts to identify bacteria in syphilis. Metchnikoff and Roux believe that syphilis is a chronic spiroilosis caused by this spirillum, but other observers remain cautious.
2. **Psoriasis**: Dr. T. Robinson notes that psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases, affecting about 90% of all skin conditions. The disease is characterized by scaly papules that are not universal and do not leave scars or pigmentation. It is often associated with itching and can affect the scalp and nails. The cause is unknown, and diagnosis can be challenging, especially distinguishing it from pityriasis rosea and seborrhea. Treatment options include arsenic, salicylate of soda, and thyroid extract.
3. **Spastic Constipation**: Dr. Dudley Roberts describes spastic constipation as a common form of chronic constipation caused by spastic contracture of the lower bowel. It often develops from atonic constipation and is associated with neurasthenia, hypochondria, or hysteria. Symptoms include difficulty passing stools and small-caliber stools. Diagnosis involves palpation and rectal examination. Treatment focuses on relieving underlying conditions, dietary adjustments, and local treatments like warm sitz baths and oil enemas.The passage discusses several medical topics, including the discovery of a spirillum in syphilitic patients by Schaudinn and Hoffmann, the nature of psoriasis, and the treatment of spastic constipation.
1. **Spirillum in Syphilis**: Schaudinn and Hoffmann discovered a spirillum in syphilitic patients, which they found in surface papules, chancres, and deeper lymphatic tissues. While this discovery is significant, it has not been widely accepted due to previous failed attempts to identify bacteria in syphilis. Metchnikoff and Roux believe that syphilis is a chronic spiroilosis caused by this spirillum, but other observers remain cautious.
2. **Psoriasis**: Dr. T. Robinson notes that psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases, affecting about 90% of all skin conditions. The disease is characterized by scaly papules that are not universal and do not leave scars or pigmentation. It is often associated with itching and can affect the scalp and nails. The cause is unknown, and diagnosis can be challenging, especially distinguishing it from pityriasis rosea and seborrhea. Treatment options include arsenic, salicylate of soda, and thyroid extract.
3. **Spastic Constipation**: Dr. Dudley Roberts describes spastic constipation as a common form of chronic constipation caused by spastic contracture of the lower bowel. It often develops from atonic constipation and is associated with neurasthenia, hypochondria, or hysteria. Symptoms include difficulty passing stools and small-caliber stools. Diagnosis involves palpation and rectal examination. Treatment focuses on relieving underlying conditions, dietary adjustments, and local treatments like warm sitz baths and oil enemas.