PHLEGMATIA DOLENS
\flɛɡmˈe͡ɪʃə dˈə͡ʊlənz], \flɛɡmˈeɪʃə dˈəʊlənz], \f_l_ɛ_ɡ_m_ˈeɪ_ʃ_ə d_ˈəʊ_l_ə_n_z]\
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It occurs, for the most part, in the second or third week after delivery :-is limited to the lower extremity, and chiefly to one side; exhibiting to the touch a feeling of numerous irregular prominences under the skin. It is hot, white, and unyielding; and is accompanied, sooner or later, with febrile excitement. After a few days, the heat, hardness, and sensibility diminish, and the limb remains oedematous for a longer or shorter period. The disease frequently, if not generally, consists in the obstruction of the iliac or other veins. Owing to the pressure of the gravid uterus- the flow of blood being obstructed- the serous part of it is thrown out into the cellular membrane of the limb. Sometimes the vein is found completely obliterated. The treatment consists in the use of antiphlogistics:- the application of leeches or cupping- glasses near the groin, fomentations to the limb, &c.; and, when the active state has subsided, the use of a roller, applied gently at first, but, afterwards, gradually tightened.
By Robley Dunglison
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Snake's-head
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