5509. Ulcers in the Mouth

5509.    Ulcers in the Mouth. If the ulcers are not of a syphilitic origin, a local wash of carbolic acid or permanganate of potassa will speedily cure them ; say 1 part of acid or permanganate to 100 of water. If they are, however, syphilitic, the wash of carbolic acid, perhaps 2 or 3 times as strong, in combination with internal treatment, will be found beneficial; the wash may be used 3 times a day.

5510. Treatment of Running Sores on the Legs

5510.     Treatment of Running Sores on the Legs. Wash them in brandy, and apply elder leaves, changing twice a day. This will dry up all the sores, though the legs were like a honey-comb. Or, poultice them with rotten apples. But take also a purge once or twice every week.

5511. Fine Clay as a Dressing to Sores

5511.    Fine Clay as a Dressing to Sores. Dr. Schreber, of Leipsic, recommends the use of clay as the most energetic, most innocent, simple, and economical of palliative applications to surfaces yielding foul and moist discharges. He moreover considers that it has a specific action in accelerating the cure. Clay softened down in water, and freed from all gritty particles, is laid, layer by layer, over the affected part. If it becomes dry and falls off, fresh layers are applied to the cleansed surface. The irritating secretion is rapidly absorbed by the clay, and the contact of air prevented. The cure thus goes on rapidly. This clay ointment has a decisive action in cases of fetid perspiration of the feet or armpits. A single layer applied in the morning will destroy all odor in the day. It remains a long time supple, and the pieces which fall off in fine powder produce no inconvenience. (Brit. Med. Journ.) We can corroborate Dr. Schreber's observations, having used fine clay poultices for several years, chiefly, however, in cases of local inflammation requiring the application of cold. Rags wet in water, or Goulard water, so rapidly become dry and hot that the benefit from the cold application is completely lost. There is no dirt when the clay is enveloped in a piece of fine linen, and is not too fluid in consistence. (Braithwaite.)

5512. Treatment of Burns

5512.    Treatment of Burns. In regard to the treatment of burns there is a great diversity of opinion, scarcely any two surgeons agreeing as to the remedies. All of them are doubtless valuable, but there is one which has a great reputation (namely, carron oil, see No. 5513 (Carron Oil)). The great objection to it is its offensive odor, rendering an entire hospital ward disagreeable. In all cases of burns and scalds, it is necessary to observe that, if fever should ensue, laxative medicines ought to be given; as castor oil, or salts and senna.

5513. Carron Oil

5513.      Carron Oil. This is composed of equal parts linseed oil and limewater, and should be well shaken before using.