Postmortem pustule
results from inoculation of some unknown
virus from cadavers in the dissecting room or from postmortems;
rarely it is seen in butchers and others who have to do with dead animals.
There is a presupposed abrasion or break of continuity in the skin,
often demonstrable, but occasionally scarcely recognizable, through
which the poison enters. The lesion first presents itself shortly after
exposure, as an itchy red spot, which soon develops into a vesicopustule
or pustule having a slightly or markedly inflammatory base. It gradually
dries, or, from breakage of the crust, the contents find exit; the crust
closes over again, or the process goes on and it fills up again, usually
becoming somewhat larger. This may continue slowly and repeat itself
a number of times if uncared for, or it may finally dry up and disappear
spontaneously. If the crust is removed, a superficial ulcer is disclosed.
The formation is more or less painful and usually dull red in color, and
not infrequently attended with swelling of the surrounding parts; occa­
sionally red streaks extend along the line of the lymphatics. Excep­
tionally the region may present an erysipelatous aspect. In some cases
slight or severe constitutional disturbance is present. In other instances
the local lesion may remain insignificant, but is followed by some
swelling and general septic symptoms of more or less gravity. The
essential (bacterial) cause of the disease is not known.

Treatment consists in opening the pustule, removing the crust,
cleansing with hydrogen dioxid, and the use of wet antiseptic corro­
sive sublimate dressings; or a powder of iodol or a powder of 3 parts
boric acid and 1 part acetanilid can be freely applied. If any viru­
lence is displayed, the base of the lesion should be previously cauterized
and the subsequent treatment be as above. Constitutional treatment
is rarely called for, and its character would depend upon indications.

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