5499. To Extract Splinters

5499.    To Extract Splinters. Thorns and splinters finding their way under the skin frequently give considerable pain, and, unless extracted, the annoyance may be very great, as inflammation will in all probability ensue, which is the process nature adopts for getting rid of the cause of irritation. If the splinter or thorn cannot be immediately extracted, for which purpose a needle will be found in most cases a sufficient surgical instrument, linen dipped in hot water ought to be bound around the place, or the part may be bathed in hot water. In the event of inflammation, which may probably issue on the production of an ulcer, the steam of hot water should be applied, and afterwards a poultice of bread and milk.

5500. Treatment of Cuts

5500.    Treatment of Cuts. The divided parts should be drawn close together, and held so with small pieces of strapping or adhesive plaster stretched across the wound, or by the application of collodion. If the part be covered with blood, it should be first wiped off with a sponge. When the wound is large, and the parts much exposed, a good method is to sew it up. The application of a little creosote will generally stop local bleeding, provided it be applied to tho clean extremities of the wounded vessels. A good way is to place a piece of lint, moistened with creosote, on the wound previously wiped clean, or to pour a drop or two of that liquid upon it. Friar's balsam, quick-drying copal varnish, tincture of galls, copperas water, black ink, etc., are popular remedies applied in the same way. A bit of the fur plucked from a black beaver hat is an excellent remedy to stop the bleeding from a cut produced by the razor in shaving. For light cuts with a knife, or any sharp instrument, the Riga balsam usually stops tho bleeding immediately. (See Lockjaw.)

5501. Artificial Skin for Cuts, etc.

5501.    Artificial Skin for Cuts, etc.. A small quantity of collodion applied with a brush to a cut or wound will produce a perfect artificial covering which is more elastic than plaster, and sufficiently insoluble in cold water.

5502. Traumaticine, or Water-proof Covering for Wounds

5502.    Traumaticine, or Water-proof Covering for Wounds. This article is simply a solution of white and dry pure unmanufactured gutta-percha in bisulphuret of carbon. Dropped on a wound or raw surface, it almost instantly forms a pliable, water-proof, and air-tight defensive covering to tho part, resembling, in appearance, goldbeater's skin. The fetid odor of the bisulphuret is lost in a few seconds. Chloroform, which has an agreeable odor, may be used as the solvent, but is very much more expensive than the bisulphuret of carbon.

5503. Treatment of Bed-Sores

5503.     Treatment of Bed-Sores. Re-move the excessive discharge by gently pressing the part with a bit of cotton wadding; then paint the sore over with prepared collodion (see No. 4744 (To Prepare Collodion)), using a soft camel-hair pencil. The application may be repeated daily, and when it has well dried place a bit of soft lint or cotton wadding over the part for protection.