Nitricum acidum

This remedy so closely resembles Mercur. in many points, that it is often very difficult to distinguish between the two; Nitr. ac. usually is applicable in dark haired people, and Mercur. in light-haired people.

Ears.--Hardness of hearing, especially when relieved by riding in a carriage or in the cars--i.e., hear better (like Graphit.).

Skin.--Pimples, or exanthema, in general; stinging exanthema; brown sphacelus; red, brownish spots scattered over the body, especially if in dark-haired people; tightness of the skin; warts. Ulcers; with ichorous pus; having a pricking or sticking sensation, as if a sharp stick or fish bone were present; sensation as if a sharp splinter were being run into the ulcer at the slightest touch,--even of the sheet.

Sensations.--As though a sharp splinter were being stuck into the affected part on the slightest contact with anything; same in the throat on swallowing (Hepar. Sulph.); as if a band were around the affected part or parts; as though a band were around the bones; jerking pain in inner parts.

Generalities.--Affections in general, of any kind, appearing in the right eye (e.g., as if a grain of sand was there); right side of the neck; nape of the neck; left hypochondriac region; left chest; inguinal glands; left lower extremity; bones of the head. Bleeding of the nose; bleeding from inner parts. Obstructed flatus. Urine reddish; usually offensive. Male genital organs in general; glans penis; erections. Much discharge of blood after stool. Chlorosis. Disposition to catch cold. Contraction of the joints; cracking of the joints; frozen limbs; swelling of the glands. In-growing of the toe nails; where the nail seems to have grown into the flesh, but in reality has not--very sore, with more or less ulceration, and a feeling as if a sharp splinter were being stuck into the affected part on any contact. Complaints concomitant to waking; too much perspiration, which smells badly.

Worse.--In the evening; in the night; particularly afterpart of the night; on wakening; while eating; from punctured wounds; from milk; abuse of Mercury.

Better.--While riding in a carriage.

Remedies following:--Cal. carb., Carb. veg., Phosphor., Pulsat., Sepia, Sulphur, Mercur.

Antidote:--Hepar.