5492. Cure for Eruptions of the Skin

5492.    Cure for Eruptions of the Skin. Take 2 ounces rasped sarsaparilla root, l1/2 ounce'? solanum dulcamara (bitter-sweet, or woody nightshade), 11/2 ounces mezereon bark, 1/2 ounce rasped guaiacum wood, and 1/2 ounce sassafras bark. Pour on these 1 quart boiling water, let it stand 24 hours, and then boil away slowly to 11/2 pints; press, strain, and add 2 pounds sugar and 1 ounce diluted spirits of wine. Take a wine-glassful 3 times a day with 1 grain precipitated gulphurct of antimony.

5493. Treatment of Sprains

5493.      Treatment of Sprains. The great remedy is rest; when severe, rest for days, to save weeks; the best treatment is warm fomentations at the time of accident, to prevent or reduce the swelling and pain, and arnica, applied by means of rags, to prevent pain and give strength to the part. The tincture of arnica is the preparation used. If the skin is not broken, about 20 to 30 drops, or even, in severe cases, 60 drops may bo added to a wine-glassful of water. If the skin is broken, or any abrasion is present, the strength of the tincture must bo considerably reduced; from 5 to 10 drops will then be sufficient, and if any redness or inflammation occurs in or about the sprain, in consequence of using the lotion, leave it off at once and use only cold water. A firm bandage will be useful to support the part. "Walking should, for a considerable time, bo only sparingly indulged in after a severe sprain.

5494. Remedy for a Sprain or Bruise

5494.   Remedy for a Sprain or Bruise. "Wormwood boiled in vinegar, and applied hot, with enough cloths wrapped around to keep the sprain moist. This is an invaluable remedy.

5495. Sprains of the Wrist and Ankle

5495.      Sprains of the Wrist and Ankle. As soon as possible after the accident, get a muslin bandage 1 or 2 yards long, and 2 or 3 inches wide; wet it in cold water, and roll it smoothly and firmly around the injured part. Keep the limb at rest, exposed to the air, and continually damp with cold water. The sooner after the accident the bandage is applied, the less pain and swelling there will be; but if pain becomes excessive, care must be taken to slightly loosen the bandage.

5496. Sprains of the Muscles of the Back

5496.    Sprains of the Muscles of the Back. Take of Canada turpentine, 1/2 ounce ; soap liniment, 6 ounces; and 1 drachm of laudanum. Mix, and rub well in before a hot fire.

5497. Sprain in the Back

5497.    Sprain in the Back. The first thing is rest; take night and morning 15 or 20 drops of the balsam of copaiba. If the part is inflamed, apply cold water cloths. Let the bowels be kept gently open by aperients. "When the inflammation is gone, rub the part with stimulating liniment. (See No. 4888 (Stimulating Liniment).)

5498. Treatment of Scratches

5498.      Treatment of Scratches. Do not neglect them. "Wash them in cold water; close them as much as you can, and cover with diachylon plaster. If there is inflammation, apply a bread poultice, or one of slippery elm.