CHAP. XIV. Of the Herpes; that is, Teaters, or Ring-worms, or such like.
HErpes is a tumor caused by pure choler separated from the rest of the humors, that is car∣ryed by its natural lightness and tenuity even to the outer or scarf-skin, and is diffused o∣ver the surface hereof. Galen makes three sorts of this tumor. For if perfect choler of an indifferent substance, that is, not very thick, cause this tumor, then the simple Herpes is gene∣rated, obtaining the name of the Genus; but if the humor be not so thin, but compounded with some small mixture of Phlegm, it will raise little blisters over the skin like to the seeds of Millet, whence it was that the Ancients called this Tumor the Herpes Miliaris. But if it have any admix∣ture of Melancholy, it will be an Herpes exedens, terrible by reason of the erosion, or eating into the skin and muscles lying under it.
There are absolutely three intentions of curing; The first is to appoint a Diet just like that we mentioned in the cure of an Erysipelas; The second is to evacuate the antecedent cause, by medi∣cines purging the peccant humor, for which purpose oft-times Clysters will suffice, especially if the Patient be somewhat easie by Nature, and if the Urin flow according to your desire; for by this a great part of the humor may be carryed into the bladder; The third shall be to take away the conjunct cause by local medicines ordained for the swelling and ulcer: Therefore the Chi∣rurgeon shall have regard to two things, that is, the resolving of the tumor, and the drying up of the ulcer; for every ulcer requires drying, which can never be attained unto, unless the swelling be taken away. Therefore because the chiefest care must be to take away the Tumor, which if it be performed, there can be no hope to heal the ulcer; he shall lay this kind of medicine to dissolve and dry, as, ℞ Cerusae & tuthia praepar. an. ℥ i, ol. ros. & adipis capon. an. ℥ ij, certicis pini usti, & loci ℥ ss, cerae quantum satis, fiat unguentum. Or, ℞ Farin. hord. & lent. an. ℥ ij, coquantur in decocto corticis mali granati, balaust. plantag. addendo pulveris rosar. rub. absinth. an. ℥ ss, olei Myrtillor. & mellis com. an. ʒ vi, fiat ungentum, ut artis est. But for an Herpes Miliaris these must chiefly be used, ℞, pulv. gallarum, malicurii, balaust. boli armeni an. ℥ i, aquae ros. ℥ iij, aceti acerrimi ℥ i, axungiae anser. & olei Myrtillor. an. ℥ i ss, terebinth. ℥ i, fiat unguentum ad usum. I have often found most certain help in unguentum enulatum cum Mercurio, for it kills the pustules, and partly wastes the humor contained in them. Yet if the ulcer, not yet neither yields, but every day diffuses it self further and further, you shall touch the edges and lips thereof with some acrid medicine, as Aqua fortis, Oyl of Vi∣triole, or such like, for by this kind of remedy, I have oft-times healed fretting Ulcers, which seemed altogether incurable.