Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Ring-worm

RING-WORM, or Tetter, (Herpes miliaris), an eruption on the face, which consists of numerous small pustules, that rise closely in contact with each other; appearing generally in a circular form, and being attended with painful itching.

These pustules never suppurate, and cannot be easily cured; often breaking out at certain periods of the year, even after they have been apparently removed. The usual application, in this affection, is the common black or writing-ink; but frequent friction, or embrocation of the eruption with mushroom catsup, has sometimes been attended with success. The following preparation has likewise been recommended; though we have had no experience of its effects: Take the roots of wild or garden sorrell; let them be washed perfectly clean, bruised in a stone mortar, and steeped in strong white-wine vinegar, for two or three days. At the end of that time, the liquor will be fit for use, and the ring-worm should be rubbed with it three or four times in the course of the day, and every night, previously to retiring to rest; the roots being left in the vinegar as long as any of this liquid remains.