2. Cough, Honey and Vinegar for.—"Honey and vinegar." This is an old and tried remedy and a good one. The vinegar cuts the phlegm in the throat and bronchial tubes, and the honey is very soothing.
3. Cough of Long Standing, Excellent Syrup for.—
"Carbonate Ammonia 40 grainsSyrup Senega 6 dramsParegoric 4 dramsSyrup Wild Cherry 6 dramsSyrup Tolu 4 ounces"
This is a very good syrup, and is especially good for chronic cough or chronic bronchitis. Dose.—One teaspoonful every three hours.
4. Cough, Reliable Mixture in Severe Cases.—
"Oil of Anise 1/2 ounceSyrup of Balsam of Tolu 1/2 ounceBlack Stick Licorice 1/2 ounceBest Rye Whisky 1 pint
Shake well before using. Dose:—One teaspoonful at intervals of one hour or oftener; if cough is very bad."
5. Cough, Mullein Leaf Tea for—"Mullein leaves steeped with loaf sugar cures a cough." Take four ounces of mullein leaves and boil for ten minutes in water: then add the loaf sugar. This is very soothing to the sore parts and also helps to loosen up the secretion so it can be raised easily.
6. Cough, Lemon Juice and Sugar for.—"Lemon juice and sugar is a good remedy for coughs." It is surprising to see how quickly the lemon juice will cut the phlegm in throat, and sugar is always good for cold.
7. Cough, Standard Remedy for.—
"Hoarhound Five cents worthHops Five cents worthWild cherry bark Five cents worthLicorice root Five cents worth
Boil or simmer altogether in two quarts of water long enough to get the strength out of the ingredients; strain, add three cups sugar. Add enough good whiskey to keep from souring, say one-half pint. This will cure a stubborn cough."
8. Cough, Ipecac Syrup for.—"One-third teaspoonful of ipecac dissolved in one teaspoonful of water; one tablespoonful of sugar; pour on one teacupful of boiling water and let it boil down to half cup. Dose.—One teaspoonful for adults, and children in proportion, every two hours, or, if needed to vomit children give again in ten or fifteen minutes."
9. Cough Remedy for Adults (not for children).—
"Laudanum Three cents worthAnise Three cents worthEssence of Peppermint Three cents worthLicorice (liquid) Three cents worthBrown Sugar 1 cupMolasses 1 cupBoiling water 2 cups
Let this come to a little more than a boil. Take a teaspoonful of it as often as necessary." This is for adults. Do not use for children.
10. Coughs, Very Simple Remedy for.—"Take one-half tablespoonful hogs' lard or salt pork grease, heat it hot, fill spoon with coal oil and swallow while hot. Have used this, will stop and cure the worst cough." Not to be given to children.
11. Coughs, Glycerin, Brandy and Paregoric with Lemon, Good for.—"Glycerin, one ounce; brandy, one ounce; paregoric, one ounce; lemon juice, one ounce. Mix well; one teaspoonful every hour." This makes a very effective cough syrup. The glycerin and brandy cut the phlegm, and the paregoric is soothing and quieting. The lemon juice is healing to the membranes of the throat.
PHYSICIANS'TREATMENT. For Coughs.—
1. Flaxseed (unground) 3 teaspoonfuls Extract of Licorice 30 grains Boiling water 10 ounces
"Allow the mixture to stand one to four hours in a warm place. Then add a little lemon juice and sugar and place one to two teaspoonfuls of gum arabic in the pitcher containing the mixture." A little paregoric (ten drops to the dose for adults) can be taken with it if the cough is very bad. Dose.—Drink freely every two to three hours.
2. A good combination is the following:
Chloride of Ammonia 2 dramsFluid Extract of Licorice 2 dramsDistilled water 20 ounces
Mix. Teaspoonful every two hours or longer.
3. Ammonium Carbonate 1/2 dramSyrup Senega 4 dramsWine of Ipecac 3 dramsSyrup Totu 1 ounceSpirits of Chloroform 3 dramsSyrup of Wild Cherry enough to make 4 ounces
Mix. Take one to two teaspoonfuls every hour or two until better.
4. Ammonia Chloride 2 dramsHive Syrup 5 dramsParegoric 6 dramsSyrup of Wild Cherry 4 ounces
Mix. Teaspoonful every three hours until cough is better.
5. Many other combinations could be given. Hoarhound tea. Sugar enough to sweeten makes a good cough remedy.
6. Onion syrup is good for children. The bowels should always be kept open.
BRONCHIAL ASTHMA. (Spasmodic Asthma.) Causes.—It occurs in all ages, but usually begins in the young, particularly males. It often follows whooping-cough. It may come from diseases of the mouth such as adenoids, polypi. Exciting causes are change of climate and residence, dust, smoke, odors, errors in diet, emotion, and cold.
Symptoms.—The onset is often sudden, often during the night. Difficulty of breathing is intense. The patient cannot lie down, but often sits at an open window, resting the elbows on a table. The face is pale and the expression is anxious. There is a feeling of great oppression in the chest and often dread of suffocation. Respiration (breathing) though labored, is not unusually frequent, as expiration (out breathing) is much prolonged. In severe or prolonged attacks there are blueness, sweating, coldness of the extremities, with small and frequent pulse and great drowsiness. The attack lasts a few minutes to many hours, and may pass off suddenly, perhaps to recur soon, or on several successive nights, with slight cough and difficulty in breathing in the intervals. The cough is nearly dry at first and the sputum is very tenacious.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Asthma, Raspberry Tincture for Adults.—"Take a half pound of honey, one cup water; let these boil, take off the scum; pour boiling hot upon one-half ounce lobelia herb and one-half ounce cloves; mix well, then strain and add one gill of raspberry vinegar. Take from one teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful four times a day. Pleasant to take." The above remedy is very effective, as the honey has a soothing effect upon the inflamed parts, and the lobelia causes the bronchial tubes to dilate, relieving the patient. The raspberry tincture makes it more pleasant to take. In severe cases it will be necessary to give enough of the above remedy to cause vomiting which relieves the phlegm.
2. Asthma, Simple but Effective Remedy for.—"Take pieces of ordinary blotting paper and saturate it with a strong solution of saltpetre, then dry the paper. When a paroxysm is felt ignite a piece of the paper and inhale the smoke. This remedy is very good and acts quickly, doing away almost entirely with the distressing symptoms and shortens the paroxysm."
3. Asthma, Lobelia Tea for.—"There is no medicine that is half so effective as lobelia in removing the tough, hard ropy phlegm from the asthmatic persons." This remedy is very good, but care should be taken not to give it to consumptives, because it is too weakening. To obtain the best results, enough of the remedy should be given to produce relaxation of the bronchial tubes. Dose.—For adults should be from fifteen to sixty drops according to the strength of the patient. This will cause a little sickness of the stomach and vomiting, thus relaxing the muscles and relieving the asthma.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Asthma.—1. Inhale chloroform, or break a pearl of amyl nitrite in a handkerchief and inhale the fumes; or smoke saltpetre paper; or cigarettes containing stramonium (thornapple). Sometimes hot coffee fumes are good.
To Prevent Recurrence.—Take five to twenty grains of iodide of potash three times a day. Do not eat much at night. Do not eat foods that cause gas or that are hard to digest. A change of climate is often good. Hot foot baths and hot drinks are helpful. Tincture of lobelia can be given in severe cases, fifteen drops repeated every half hour until the patient feels sick at the stomach.
2. Vapo-Cresolene burned in a room is very good. This can be bought in twenty-five cent bottles in any drug store, with directions around the bottle.
3. Tartar Emetic in one-hundredth grain, two given every half hour until there is a little sickening is a very good remedy. These can be bought at a drug store or from a homeopathic doctor or pharmacist.
BLEEDING FROM THE WIND-PIPE AND LUNGS. (Haemoptysis).—This is a spitting of blood. It may come from the small bronchial tubes and less frequently from the blood vessels in the lung cavities or their walls.
Symptoms.—In incipient consumption of the lungs, bleeding develops suddenly as a rule, a warm salty taste, lasting but a few moments, generally preceded by the spitting up of blood. The blood is coughed up and the bleeding may last only a few minutes or it may continue for days, the sputum being apt to remain blood-stained for a longer time. The immediate effect of the bleeding is to alarm the patient and family, no matter how slight it may be, inducing heart palpitation and other nervous symptoms. A small bleeding is not attended with any bad result, but large ones give rise to the symptoms of shock (sometimes immediate death) combined with anemia following the loss of blood. When the bleeding is large, blood by the mouthful may be ejected with each cough, and in these instances of such profuse bleeding is shown by dizziness, faintness, cold extremities, excessive pallor, sweating and rapid, small feeble pulse. This is followed, if the attack does not prove speedily fatal, by restlessness, and later by mild delirium and some fever. In few cases does the patient have a single bleeding; more frequently there are several at shorter or longer intervals. Large or small bleedings may precede by weeks, months, or even years any rational symptoms of consumption.
Quantity.—This varies greatly. There may be less than an ounce or it might amount to a pint or more before the bleeding stops. In advanced cases, in which large cavities have formed, large blood vessels may be eaten through and this followed by copious and alarming bleeding.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—1. Bleeding from the Lungs. Salt Water for.—"Give the patient half a teaspoonful of common salt every hour or two until hemorrhage abates."
2. Bleeding from the Lungs. Herb Tea for.—"Two ounces each of bistory root, tormentil root, oak bark, and comfrey root, boil in three quarts of water down to one pint, strain and add one tablespoonful of ground ginger. Give a wine glass full every half hour until relieved. Place the feet in hot mustard water, keep the bowels open with a little senna and ginger tea and if necessary give a vapor bath,"
3. Bleeding from the Lungs, Effective Remedy for.—
"Powdered Sugar 3 ouncesPowdered Rosin 3 ounces
Mix. Dose one teaspoonful three times a day."
4. Bleeding from the Lungs, Tannin and Sugar for.-
"Tannin 30 grainsPowdered Sugar 1 dram
Mix. Make ten powders and give one every ten minutes until relieved."
Either one of the above remedies is excellent for this trouble, as the tannin and rosin contract the arteries and acts as an astringent.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Bleeding of the Wind-pipe and Lungs.—In many cases the bleeding is slight and no more need be done than to keep the patient quiet and absolute rest. If the bleeding is free, the patient should be placed in bed, not allowed to speak above a whisper nor to change his position.
1. First Thing to Do.—Eating ice, and using ice drinks are useful measures. The drinking of a little salt water at a time with one tablespoonful of salt in a glassful of water is good. In most cases more can be done by assuring the patient he will not die and keeping him quiet and at rest. Medicines should be given to satisfy the patient and family. The most cases stop of themselves.
2. If Caused by Coughing.—If cough causes the bleeding one-half grain of opium should be given to control it, hypodermically, or even morphine one-eighth grain.
3. Alum for.—Alum solution six grains to three ounces of water in fine spray is good. This goes right to the wind-pipe and contracts the vessels; use a vaporizer.
4. White Oak Bark Tea can be used as a spray in a vaporizer. If these produce coughing, they should be discontinued.
5. Hot Water and Salt for.—A teaspoonful of salt in a pint of hot water is good also, used as a spray, or to inhale. But the patient must lie down.
6. Other Easily Obtained Remedies.—Ergot in dose of one-half to one teaspoonful is very good; this contracts the vessels. Bromide of potash in a dose of five to fifteen grains; or chloral hydrate in dose of five to seven grains, if there is not heart trouble. If there is, chloral hydrate cannot be used. These quiet the nervous system and do much good. Strong hop tea will do the same thing if taken freely. Witch-hazel water thirty drops at a dose is good.
Cautions.—Quiet the patient; keep quiet yourself. If the bleeding is bad the extremities should be bandaged, beginning at the toes and fingers.
Thirst.—Give small quantities at a time of ice-water.
Diet.—Peptonized or plain milk, liquid beef peptonoids, fresh beef juice, bouillon, should be given in small quantities, two or three ounces every two or three hours. If there is a tendency to constipation give rectal enemata. Return to the regular diet as soon as possible. Alcohol in any form is best avoided. If given as a stimulant it should be given in small quantities.
BRONCHO-PNEUMONIA. (Acute Inflammation of the Smaller Tubes and Lungs).—
Causes.—Most common under two years and in old people. Taking cold, whooping cough and measles.
Symptoms.—A primary case begins suddenly with a convulsion or chill, vomiting and rapid rise of temperature. Breathing is frequent and brain symptoms are marked.
Secondary Cases.—After an ordinary case of whooping-cough, measles, bronchitis, etc., there is more fever. The pulse is more frequent, and also the respiration, difficulty in breathing and severe and often painful cough. Temperature rises to 102 to 104; respirations are very fast, up to 60 to 80; the breathing (inspiration) is hard, labored, while the wings of the nose dilate; expiration may be grunting. Face looks anxious and bluish. This color may increase, other symptoms decreasing as suffocation deepens, rattling in chest and death from heart weakness.
Prevention.—Avoid exposure to sudden changes of temperature. For the attack, jacket of oil silk or flannel to prevent sudden exposure, keep the temperature warmed up to 68 to 70 degrees night and day; the air must be fresh and pure and changed regularly.
Children should be given ample room and not hampered by extra clothing, as they like change of position, to get relief. The hot bath must be used often to redden the skin and relieve the pressure on the lungs, till they can be given relief. If you wish to use a poultice the following is a nice way to make it. Take a piece of muslin or linen, or cheese-cloth, wide enough when doubled to reach from the lower margin of the ribs to well up under the arm pits, and long enough to go a little more than around the chest, open the double fold and spread the hot mass of poultice on one-half of the cloth and fold the other over it. It should be applied as hot as it can be comfortably borne and covered with oil silk or paraffin paper, so as to the longer retain the heat and moisture. The poultice should be renewed as often as it gets cold, and a fresh poultice should be all ready to put on when the old one is taken off. Place the end of the poultice uppermost, so that the contents will not fall out.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Pneumonia, Herb Tea and Poultice for.—"Congestion of the lungs. One ounce of each of the following, slippery elm bark, crushed thyme, coltsfoot flowers, hyssop or marshmallow. Simmer in two quarts of water down to three pints; strain and add one teaspoonful of cayenne. Dose:—Wineglassful every half hour. Apply hot bran poultices or chamomile scalded in vinegar, changing often until the violence of the symptoms abate. If the bowels are confined, give an injection of half pint of hot water in which one-half teaspoonful each of gum myrrh, turkey rhubarb and ginger powder have been well mixed. If possible give vapor bath. Apply hot stones or bottles to the feet."
2. Pneumonia, Home Remedy for.—"This can easily be relieved by the use of cayenne and vapor bath. This promotes the circulation in every part of the body, diminishing the pressure upon the lungs. These baths produce a regular circulation throughout the whole body, thus relieving the pressure upon the lungs by decreasing the amount of blood in the lungs. These baths should be taken but once a day, as they are weakening."
3. Pneumonia, Hot Vinegar Applications for.—Congestion of Lungs.—"Over the lungs lay cloths wet in clear hot vinegar. They should be five or six inches square and several thicknesses. Over the cloths lay a hot plate or hot water bottle; change as often as necessary to keep them hot. This treatment will soon give relief, after which rub as much oil into the lungs as possible."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Pneumonia.—A doctor must be called. For high fever, one to one and a half drops of aconite, for adults every hour; for children, about one-twelfth to one-eighth of a drop. For cough, chloride of ammonium, one to two grain doses. For pain, hot applications.
Diet.—Milk, broth and egg albumen and plenty of water to drink. (See laryngitis for diet.)
ACUTE PLEURISY (Inflammation of the Pleura).—The pleura covers the wall of the chest cavity and infolds or surrounds the lungs. Pleurisy means the inflammation of this pleura or covering.
Causes.—Exposure to cold, etc. Onset may be gradual or sudden, with chills fever and sharp stitches in the side near the arm pit or breast. The patient lies on the affected side during the attack, the pain is made worse by breathing, coughing or motion. The cough is dry and painful, with difficult breathing. The temperature 102 to 103. Sometimes there is fluid accumulated in the cavity. In about seven to ten days the fever and other symptoms disappear. The fluid is absorbed quickly if it is scanty, often very slowly if abundant. This fluid is contained in the cavity of the pleura. The pleura covers the lungs. Its outer layer is attached to the ribs and costal cartilages in front and ribs behind, goes around the foot of the lungs underneath, then turns around under the side of the lungs and comes in front, making a sac. The two layers in health touch each other, but are separated when there is fluid in the cavity. The inner layer covers the lungs and drops into the grooves of the lungs. You can thus readily understand how easy it is for the pleura to be attacked. Also when the lung is inflamed we have what we call pleura-pneumonia. Pleurisy is a very painful disease. It hurts to move, breathe, or cough. The patient holds his chest when he coughs. The fluid that forms is poured out from the inflamed membrane, sometimes it is so great in quantity it must be drawn off,—tapped; we then call this hydrothorax,—water in the chest.
Diet and Nursing—The patient should be kept quiet and in the easiest position.
Milk diet is the best to use. There should not be much liquid diet, except milk. The milk may be diluted with lime water if necessary. Malted milk, Mellin's food, imperial granum, can be used when the milk cannot be taken.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Pleurisy.—1. Home Remedy.—The patient must go to bed and remain there. It is a good thing to get the patient in a sweat. For this purpose you can use the corn sweat described under treatment of la grippe. This will ease the patient and may shorten the attack.
I have great faith in this remedy in most inflammatory diseases. I had a patient sick with pleurisy; she did not get along fast enough to suit me, her color was a yellow-green. I advised the corn sweat and she improved fast from that time. Her night dress was green in color after the sweat. I have saved pneumonia cases in the same way. Of course, some cases may be too weak to stand it.
2. Other Home Remedies.—Another way to produce sweating is by placing fruit cans filled with hot water about the patient. This will stop the chilly cold feeling and also will relieve the pain. If you have a rubber water bottle, put hot water in that and place it near the sorest spot. It may hurt the patient by its weight; if so, use less water, at the same time you can give hot drinks freely. Almost any kind will do. If the stomach feels bad, ginger or peppermint is best. Hoarhound tea is especially good for chest trouble.
3. Fomentations.—Of hops or wormwood or smartweed, or catnip applied frequently and hot to the affected side often bring relief. They must always be hot, and you must be careful not to get the night robes or covers wet.
4. Camphorated Oil for.—Rub the side with camphorated oil and cover over with a cotton jacket. This is good unless it makes the patient too warm.
5. Adhesive Plaster Zinc Oxide.—Use a roll two or two and one-half inches wide. Commence at the backbone and cross directly over the ribs to the further side of the breastbone. The first strip should be at the lower part of the chest. In putting on the succeeding strips make them lap one-half inch over the next lower. Bandage almost up to the arm-pit. It may take eight strips for an adult. After you have the strips on, place a piece at each end, part on the flesh and part on the plasters, to keep them from giving any. The patient should have his arms over his head when you are putting on the strips. This strapping will hold that side of the chest quieter. The breathing will be less full and consequently less motion and pain.
6. Tincture of aconite in doses of one-tenth to one drop can be given everyone to three hours at the beginning, if there is much fever, dry hot skin, and full bounding pulse. Dover's powder can be given at night.
7. A hypodermic of morphine is frequently given when the pain is intense.
ABSCESS OF THE LUNGS. Causes.—Lobular pneumonia from abscesses in pyemia, from septic pleurisy, etc.
Symptoms.—Fever, pain, difficult breathing, cough, and expectoration containing or consisting of pus of offensive odor, etc.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT of Abscess of the Lungs.—Incision and drainage. You must depend entirely upon your physician.
EMPHYSEMA.—A condition in which there is air or gas in tissues that normally have none, or an excess of air in tissues that normally contain a certain quantity of it. A condition of the lungs characterized by a permanent dilation of the air cells of the lung with dwindling of the air cell walls and the blood vessels, resulting in a loss of the normal elasticity of the lung tissue.
Causes.—Heredity; it occurs in glass blowers, in musicians using wind instruments. It occurs also after whooping-cough, asthma, etc.
HYDROTHORAX.—This is an exudation (liquid) in the pleural cavity. Causes.—Comes from disease causing dropsy, kidney disease, lung trouble, pleurisy, etc.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.—Treat disease that causes it. An operation to remove the fluid may be necessary. A trusted physician must advise you.
NIGHT SWEATS.—These are common in "consumption" and constitute one of the most distressing features of the disease. They usually occur when the fever drops in the early morning hours, or at any time of the day when the patient is sleeping. They may come on early in the disease, but are more persistent and frequent after cavities have formed in the lungs; some of the patients escape it altogether.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.-l. Night Sweats, Salt Bath for.—"Bathe the body in salt water every other day. Just before retiring take a cup of sage tea, and eat nourishing food," The salt acts as an astringent as it slightly closes up the pores, and the sage establishes a better circulation and at the same time helps the sweating. This is a very simple and effective remedy.
2. Night Sweats, Cold Sage for.—"Drink cold sage tea, before retiring." This cold sage tea is only to be used when the patient has a fever and needs a cold drink. In case of this kind it would be effective.
PHYSICIAN'S TREATMENT for Night Sweats.—l. Atropine in doses of 1-120 to 1-60 grain is good to stop the sweating. It must be used carefully, three doses in twenty-four hours are enough.
2. Tonics to keep up the appetite like gentian, nux vomica or quinine may be given. The patient should wear flannel night-dresses, as the cotton night-shirt, when soaked with perspiration, has a cold, clammy feeling. Bathe the patient in the morning with tepid water and afterwards rub gently with alcohol diluted one-half with water. Night sweating occurs in rickets but mainly around the head. They also occur when one is run down, but they are not so debilitating and constant. In such cases, building up treatment is needed. Proper diet, bathing, out-door life, bitter tonics, etc.
ROUND WORM.—(Ascariasis Lumbricoides).—The round worm resembles the angle worm in form; is the most common human parasite and is found chiefly in children. The female is seven to twelve inches long, the male four to eight inches. It is pointed at both ends. The parasite occupies the upper part of the small bowel and there is usually only one or two present, but sometimes they occur in enormous numbers. They migrate in a peculiar manner. They may pass into the stomach, whence they may be thrown out by vomiting, or they may crawl up the gullet, and enter the pharynx and cause serious trouble. They may go up the eustachian tube and appear at the external meatus (opening of ear). The serious migration is into the bile-duct. There is a specimen in the Wister-Horner Museum of the University of Pennsylvania in which not only the common bile-duct, but also the main branches throughout the liver, are enormously distended, and packed with numerous round worms. The bowel may be blocked or in rare instances an ulcer may be perforated; even the healthy bowel may be perforated.
Symptoms.—Picking of the nose, grinding of the teeth, a whitish paleness around the mouth, restless sleep; sometimes convulsions, or presence of worms in the stool. Bad health, cross, peevish, irritable and dumpy, when the child is naturally the opposite.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—l. Round or Pin Worms, Sage Tea for.—"Sage tea is a fine remedy for children troubled with worms, taken before breakfast or on going to bed." Sage tea may help; I have known other mothers to have faith in it. Its virtue may consist in being a laxative and an antiseptic which in themselves would add to the general health of the child.
2. Round and Pin Worms, Tansy remedy for.—"Tansy leaves may be crushed and put in whisky or dried and crushed with sugar. This is the best vermifuge I ever used." A tea made of tansy leaves must be used carefully as it is strong and never given to pregnant women.
3. Round and Pin Worms, Peach Leaf Tea for.—"Half an ounce of dried peach leaves may be infused in a pint of boiling water and a tablespoonful given for a dose three times a day." They are laxative and exert a sedative influence over the nervous system. They have been frequently used for worms with reported success. An infusion is highly recommended in irritability of the bladder, in sick stomach and in whooping cough.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.—l. Dr. Osler, of Oxford, England, recommends as follows: Santonin in doses of two or three grains for an adult; one or two a day for three or four days, followed by salts or calomel; one-half to one grain for children in the same way. This seems to me to be unnecessarily large.
2. Dr. Ritter's Santonin Remedy.—
I always give it thus:Santonin 1/10 grainCalomel 1/10 grain
Give four a day for two days, then miss two days, then give again for two days and stop. Salts can be given after this. I then follow this treatment by giving one drop doses of tincture of cina (Homeopathic preparation) four times a day for one or two weeks. Before giving any of these remedies it is well to move the bowels freely and also after the medicine has been stopped.
3. Dr. Douglass of Detroit, Michigan, recommends the following for a child five to ten years old:
Santonin 12 grainsCalomel 3 grains
Divide into six powders, and give one night and morning while fasting.
4. The following is from Professor Stille:
Spigelia 1/2 ounceSenna 2 dramsFennel seed 2 dramsManna 1 ounceBoiling water 1 pint
Mix and make into an infusion (tea). Dose for a child, one or two teaspoonfuls. For an adult, one or two wineglassfuls.
THREAD WORM OR PIN WORM.—(Oxyuris Vermicularis.)—This common worm occupies the rectum and colon. They produce great irritation and itching, particularly at night, symptoms which become intensely aggravated by the nightly migration (traveling) of the parasite. They sometimes in their travels enter the vagina. Occasionally abscesses are formed around the bowel (rectum) containing numbers of worms. The patient becomes extremely restless and irritable, for the sleep is very often disturbed, and there may be loss of appetite and also anemia. These worms are most common in children, but they can occur in all ages. The worms can easily be seen in the feces. The infection takes place through the drinking of water and possibly through salads, such as lettuce and cresses, and various other means. A person who is the subject of worms passes ova (eggs) in large numbers in the feces, and the possibility of reinfection must be guarded against very scrupulously.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—1. Pin worms, Aloes treatment for.—"Pin worms or seat worms are usually found in children and sometime cause a great deal of annoyance to the child. They are usually very restless at night and pull at the rectum both day and night. This condition may be relieved by an injection, of powdered aloes,—five grains; hot water one-half pint." This is sufficient for two injections and should be used at about blood heat.
2. Pin worms, Pink Root for.—"Take one ounce pink root, and one pint of water. Make a decoction of this by boiling the above to half a pint. Give a teaspoonful three times a day for two days, following this up by a good dose of castor oil or cream of tartar to thoroughly cleanse the system."
3. Pin worms, Quassia chips for.—"I knew of a child who had not slept three hours a night for several months, and several doctors had been called and none of them seemed to get down to the real trouble. Finally the mother tried an injection made by steeping quassia chips for two or three hours slowly, then straining it and injecting about one pint (luke warm) once a day. This gave the child immediate relief and improvement could be seen within a week."
4. Pin worms, Lime-water injection for.—"A very simple remedy is an injection of a teacupful of lime water once a day, preferably in the morning, as the worms are usually lodged in the rectum and this injection will bring them away, giving the child relief at once."
5. Worms-Stomach, Salt Remedy for.—"Encourage the child to eat as much salt as possible and give an injection of salt and water, about one teaspoonful of salt to two quarts of water, once a day."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.—1. Santonin in small doses and mild purgatives like rhubarb. Santonin in doses of one-tenth of a grain can be given for two days, three or four times a day, preceded by spiced syrup of rhubarb, one dram dose, and also followed by the rhubarb. In children the cold injections of strong salt and water is effective. They should be repeated for ten days. The hips should be well elevated so that the injection can be retained for some time.
2. Quassia chips 1 ounce Common salt 1/2 ounce Water 1 pint
Soak over night and inject slowly all the bowels will hold. Repeat once each week till all are removed.
3. Dr. Tooker of Chicago, Illinois, recommends the following:—Give an injection of an infusion of fresh garlic for two or three nights in succession, using, to make the infusion, a small bunch of garlic in a pint of water, steeped down to one-quarter pint.
4. Dr. Tooker gives another method which is often successful. Anoint the anus for several nights in succession with sweet oil, using the little finger to insert the oil as far into the rectum as the fingers will reach.
5. Another Remedy. Inject cod-liver oil (pure) into the bowel or make into an emulsion with the yolk of an egg and then inject.
6. Spearmint Remedy.—Make an infusion of the common spearmint and inject some in the bowel every night for one week. Some can be taken internally at the same time.
Oil of Wormseed 1/2 ounceOil of Turpentine 1-1/2 dramCastor Oil 2 ouncesFluid extract of Pink Root 3 dramsHydrastin 10 grainsSyrup of Peppermint 4 drams
One teaspoonful three times a day one hour before meals to a child ten years old. If it physics to much give less often. Good for both kinds of worms.
8. Tincture of Cina; to accompany any injection.—I give the Tincture of Cina (Homeopathic preparation) in from one-quarter to two or three drop doses, three or four times a day, always after I have given the other worm remedies. It can be given for weeks without producing bad effects. The dose can be made less for weakly children; or greater in grown people. It is good to give in small doses in pin worms when injections are used. It seems to prevent their formation. It is also a good remedy for the worms puppies are troubled with. I have saved the lives of a good many little fellows with this remedy.
TAPE WORM, PORK.-(Taenia Solium). It is six to twelve feet long, but it is not a common form in this country. The head is small, round, not so large as the head of a pin and provided with four sucking ducts and a double row of hooklets. By these hooklets and disks, the parasite attaches itself to the mucous membrane of the small intestine in man. Below the head is a constricted neck, which is followed by a large number of segments, increasing in size from the neck onward. Each segment contains the generative organs of both sexes. The parasite (worm) becomes fully grown in three to three and one-half months. Segments then continually break off and are discharged at stool. Each ovum (egg) contains a single embryo, armed with six hooklets and contained in a thick shell. When swallowed by a pig or man these shells are digested and the embryos migrate (travel) to various parts of the body, where they change to Cysticerci or "Measles." Each contains a scolex or tape-worm. When meat, improperly cooked and containing "measles," is eaten, the cyst is dissolved in the human stomach and the free scolex or head attaches itself to the intestinal mucous membrane and grows into a tapeworm.
TAPE WORM, BEEF.—(Taenia Saginata). This is a larger and longer parasite than the Pork Tape Worm. It is the common form found in this country. It may grow fifteen to twenty feet or more and possesses a large head in comparison with the Taenia Solium. It is square shaped and has four large sucking disks, but no hooklets. The ripe segments are larger and they are passed as in the Taemia Solium, and are eaten by cattle, in the flesh or organs of which the eggs develop into the Cysticerci.
Symptoms.—These worms (parasites) are found at all ages. They are not uncommon in children, and may be found in nursing children. They may cause excessive appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain or sometimes anemia. The knowledge of the presence of this worm may cause great nervousness or depression. The presence of the segment in the stools proves their presence in the bowels.
Treatment, preventive.—This is most important. Careful attention should be given to three points: First, all tapeworm segments should be burned. They should never be thrown into the water-closet or outside; secondly, special inspection of all meat; and, thirdly, cooking the meat sufficiently to kill the parasites.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—1. Tape Worms, Pumpkin Seed Tea for.—"One pint pumpkin seeds skinned and steeped. Add water enough to make three tumblers. Take one tumbler every half hour, then a good dose of castor oil. The worm will come with oil. My mother helped prepare the seeds and saw the tapeworm which came from a woman as a result of this dose."
2. Tape Worms, Another good Remedy for.—
"Powdered Kamala 3 dramsSyrup simple 3 ounces
Two doses of this mixture hardly ever fails to bring the worm. Give oil and turpentine two hours after the last dose." Of the oil and turpentine an average dose would be a half ounce of castor oil and fifteen drops of turpentine.
3. Tape Worm, Ontario Mother's Remedy for.—"Don't eat until very hungry (extremely so), then eat one-half pint of pumpkin seeds. This is good and will remove the worm every time." This remedy is different from the above in that you eat the seeds instead of making a tea.
4. Tape Worm, Successful Remedy for Children or Adult.—
"Turpentine 15 dropsCastor Oil 1 teaspoonfulMilk 1 teacupful
Mix and for adult take at one dose. If not successful repeat the next day.For child under ten years, one-half the quantity."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.—Preparing the Patient; Giving the Remedy, and Receiving the Worm.—Whenever a round or tape worm is to be attacked, the patient must be starved for at least twelve to twenty-four hours, in order that no food in the intestinal (bowel) tract may protect the worm from the action of the drug. During this time a little milk can be given, and after a night of fasting, before breakfast, the worm medicine (anthelmintic) must be swallowed. In addition, nearly all the drugs must be followed by purges in order to dislodge the intruder while he is paralyzed and has lost his hold; and in many it is well to have a basin of salt and water ready so that when a passage occurs a rectal injection may be given to wash out the segments of the worm which remain in the rectum. I am giving many remedies and the different ways of administering them. Not every one can be cured with the same remedy. One will act better in some people than in others. So I give a variety and they are all good.
1. For two days prior to the administration of the remedies the patient should take a very light, diet and have the bowels moved by a saline (salts) cathartic. As a rule the male fern acts promptly and well. The etheral extract of male fern in two dram doses may be given; fast, and follow in the course of a couple of hours by a brisk purgative; that is, calomel followed by salts.
Fasting means this: Light diet for a day or two and a cathartic at night, no supper except a glass of milk before the worm medicine is given. Then at bed-time take two to three grains of calomel with ten grains of bicarbonate of sodium; rochelle salts, one-half to one ounce, upon awakening. As soon as the bowels have moved give oleorisin of aspidium, one dram in capsules. A saline cathartic should be given one-half to one hour later. Never give castor oil or any oil after this remedy, When calomel is given it should be given about one hour after taking the worm medicine and followed in one or one and one-half hours by a half to one ounce of salts.
2. Pelletierine Remedy for.—This comes in bottles of the proper dose. It is dear, but effective. It must be taken lying down, and followed by some cathartic or a dose of epsom salts in two hours after taking.
3. Infusion and Emulsion for.—An infusion of
Pomegranate root 1/2 ouncePumpkin seeds 1 ouncePowdered ergot 1 dramBoiling water 10 ounces
To an emulsion of the male fern (a dram of the ethereal extract) made with acacia powders, two drops of croton oil are added. The patient should have had a low diet on the previous day and have taken a dose of salts in the evening.
The emulsion and infusion are mixed and taken at nine in the morning. If the bowels do not move in two hours, salts should be taken.
4. An Old Remedy.—Chew freely of slippery elm bark. This, it is stated, is very effective and as it is cheap and will not injure, it is worth a thorough trial. I am often surprised at the value of the seemingly simple remedies.
TRICHINIASIS (Trichinosis).—The disease is caused by the trichina spiratis, a parasite introduced into the body by eating imperfectly cooked flesh of infected hogs. The "embryos" pass from the bowel and reach the voluntary muscles, where they finally become "encapsulated larvae,"—muscle trichinae. It is in the migration of these embryos that the group of symptoms known as trichiniasis is produced.
When the flesh containing the trichinae is eaten by man or by any animal in which the development can take place, the capsules are digested and the trichinae are set free. They pass into the small intestine and about the third day attain their full growth and become sexually mature. The young produced by each female trichina have been estimated at several hundred. The time from the eating of the flesh containing the muscle trichinae to the development of the brood of embryos in the intestines (bowels) is from seven to nine days. The female worm penetrates the intestinal wall and the embryos are probably discharged into the lymph spaces, thence into the venous system, and by the blood stream to the muscles, which constitutes their seat of election. After a preliminary migration in the inter-muscular connective tissue, they penetrate the primitive muscle- fibres and in about two weeks develop into the full grown muscle form. In this process interstitial inflammation of the muscle is excited, and gradually an ovoid capsule develops about the parasite. Two, and occasionally three or four, worms may be seen within a single capsule. This process of encapsulation has been estimated to take about six weeks. Within the muscles the parasites do not undergo further development. Gradually the capsule becomes thicker and ultimately lime salts are deposited within it. This change may take place in man within four or five months. The trichinae may live within the muscles for an indefinite period. They have been found alive and capable of developing as late as twenty or twenty-five years after their entrance into the system. These calcified capsules appear as white specks in the muscles. In many instances however these worms are completely calcified. In the hog the trichinae cause few if any symptoms. An animal, the muscles of which are swarming with living trichinae, may be well nourished and healthy looking. An important point also is the fact that in the hog the capsule does not readily become calcified, so that the parasites are not visible as in the human muscles.
Modes of Infection.—The danger of infection depends entirely upon the mode of preparation of the flesh. Thorough cooking, so that all parts of the meat reach the boiling point, destroys the parasites; but, in larger joints, the central portions are not often raised to this temperature. The frequency of the disease in different countries depends largely upon the habits of the people in the preparation of pork. In North Germany, where raw ham and wurst are freely eaten, the greatest number of instances have occurred. In South Germany, France, and England cases are rare. Salting and smoking the flesh are not always sufficient, and the Havre experiments showed that animals are readily infected when fed with portions of the pickled or the smoked meat as prepared in this country.
Symptoms.—The eating of trichinous flesh is not always followed by this disease.
In the course of a few days after eating the infected meat there are signs of disturbance of the stomach and bowels, and pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea; and yet, these preliminary symptoms do not always occur, for in some of the large epidemics cases have been observed in which they have been absent. Pain in different parts of the body, general debility and weakness have been noted in some of the epidemics. In some instances the stomach and bowel disturbances have been so marked from the outset that the attack resembled our cholera. The invasion symptoms develop between the seventh and tenth day. Sometimes not until the end of the second week, and they are marked by fever, a chill in some cases and pain and swelling and tenderness along the muscles involved. The migration of the parasites into the muscles excites a more or less intense inflammation of these muscles, which is characterized by pain on pressure and movement, and by swelling and tension of the muscles, over which the skin may be swollen. The limbs are placed in some position in which these muscles are more at rest. Difficulty in chewing and swallowing is caused by the involvement of the muscles controlling these acts. In severe cases the involvement of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles may lead to difficult breathing (Dyspnoea) which sometimes proves fatal. Watery swelling, a feature of great importance, may be seen early in the face, particularly about the, eyes. Later it develops in the extremities when the swelling and stiffness of the muscles are at their height. Profuse sweats, tingling and itching of the skin and in some instances hives (Urticaria) have been described.
There are emaciation and anemia. In the severe cases the appearance may be like that in the third week of typhoid fever. In mild cases the fever and muscular symptoms subside in ten to fourteen days, in others only after two or three months. The mortality, from one to thirty per cent, seems to depend upon the virulence and number of parasites.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.—If discovered within twenty-four to thirty-six hours, thoroughly empty the bowel with purgatives. Rhubarb and senna, or an occasional dose of calomel may be given. Relieve the pains afterwards and support the strength.
The skin is divided into three layers. Beginning with the outer one and naming inward, they are named as follows: The outer layer is called the epidermis or cuticle (near or upon the skin). The second layer is called the corium, derma cutis vera, or true skin. The third layer is called the sub-cutaneous (under the skin) (fatty or connective) tissue. This last layer contains the sweat glands, the lower end of the deep-seated hair follicles, (little sacs containing the roots of the hair) and larger branches of the lymphatics, blood vessels and nerves, and serves in general as a bed for the true skin to rest upon, and by which the true skin is connected with the deeper parts, muscles, etc. The appendages of the skin are the hair, nails, sebaceous and sweat-glands. The discharge from the sweat-glands form a little or larger tumor. The contents of a wen are from sebaceous glands—fat secretions—fat tumor. The following names are frequently mentioned in the skin diseases:
Macule. (Spots, patches). Skin is altered in color, but the skin is not raised or depressed; freckle, etc.
Papule. (Pimple). Elevated piece of skin, varying in size from a pin-head to a coffee bean.
Tubercle. (Node-lump). A solid elevation of the skin, varying in size from a pea to a cherry.
Tumors. These are soft or firm elevations of the skin, like a wen or hard lump. They are always deep-seated.
Wheel. A round flat, white or pink elevation of the skin; such as hives, mosquito bites, etc.
Vesicle. This is a pin-head or pea-sized elevation of the outer layer (epidermis) filled with a watery fluid.
Bleb. (Bulla). A circumscribed elevation of the skin and contains a watery fluid, such as a burn, etc.
Pustule. A rounded elevation of the outer layer (epidermis) of varying size, containing pus (matter).
A vesicle, bleb, and pustule are hollow; macule, papule, and tubercle are solid.
Scale. (Squama). This is a dry attached or unattached thin piece from the skin as a result of disease of the skin.
Crust. This is a dried mass as a result of fluid oozing from a diseased skin.
Excoriation. Like a scratch mark.
Fissures. This is a crack, like that found on chapped hands.
Ulcer. (Sore). Eating away of the parts.
Scar. Ulcer healed leaving a mark, like from a healed cut.
Pigmentation. Discoloration.
ACNE. (Simple Acne).—This is an inflammation of the sebaceous (fatty, cheesy) glands. It forms these pimples or pustules and these are intermingled with black-heads (comedones), flesh-worms. They vary from a pin-head to a split-pea in size, and are of a bright or dark red color. They occur for the most part on the face; also on the back, neck and chest.
Condition.—An over secretion, or alteration and retention of the fatty (sebaceous) matter, and this is followed by inflammation involving the glands, ducts of the glands, and hair follicles. Pus often forms and tissue may be destroyed.
Causes.—These skin glands are active at the time of puberty. The active cause may be the stomach troubles, constipation, womb disorders, and poor general nutrition.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Acne.—All stomach troubles, constipation, and womb troubles should be looked into and remedied. The diet and hygiene must be regulated. Food that stimulates and is hard to digest should be prohibited. When there is dyspepsia and constipation, bitter tonics, like compound tincture of gentian, one dram before meals, or pepsin (five grains) and loosening medicines like salts should be given.
Tincture of Nux Vomica is a good stomach and bowel tonic given in doses of one to two drops before meals.
Calomel, one-half grain at night for a few nights, followed in the morning by epsom salts or some mineral water like Abilena or Hunjadi is useful. The following is a good combination by Dr. Schalek:
Tincture of Nux Vomica 2 dramsDilute Nitro Muriatic Acid 4 dramsSherry Wine enough for 3 ounces
Mix and take one teaspoonful three times a day.
Diet.—See diet for dyspepsia and constipation. All fatty, greasy, rich foods are prohibited.
Local Treatment.—If the skin is quite red and tender, mild soothing applications should be used. Most cases require vigorous treatment. First wash the parts with warm water and the best soap, rinse with hot water and then dry carefully. Remove the black-heads by careful pressure of the fingers, or with black-head extractor; the pimples and pustules should be freely cut, to allow the matter to escape and all the matter taken out.
External Medication, Ointment and Lotions.—Lotions are to be preferred in cases of oily discharge. If the skin becomes rough and chapped, soap should not be used in washing, and a soothing ointment should be applied. Drugs used are for stimulating the skin and healing the lesions.
1. Soothing Ointment.—
Precipitated Sulphur 1 dramBenzoinated Lard 1/2 ounceLanolin 1/2 ounce
For local use but not in oily cases. (Dr. Schalek.)
2. The following used as a soothing lotion:
Washed Sulphur 2-1/2 dramsSpirits of Camphor 3 dramsBiborate of Sodium 2 dramsGlycerin 6 dramsDistilled water enough for 4 ounces
Mix and shake well and apply freely so as to leave a film on the face.(Dr. Schalek.)
3. Dr. Duhring's Lotion, following:
Precipitated Sulphur 2 dramsGlycerin 2 dramsAlcohol 1 ounceLime water 1 ounceRose water 2 ounces
Mix and shake before using and apply.
4. Kummerfield's Lotion. "Oriental Lotion."
Precipitated Sulphur 4 dramsPowdered Camphor 10 grainsPowdered Tragacanth 20 grainsLime water 2 ouncesRose water 2 ounces
Mix; shake well and apply every few hours.
5. Stimulating preparations.
Corrosive sublimate 1/2 to 2 grainsEmulsion bitter almonds 4 ounces
Mix thoroughly and use to stimulate the skin.
6. Ointment of white precipitate (five to fifteen per cent strength) can be used in place of one above.
7. The Following Hebra Lotion (I give as written).
Hydrarg. Bichlor 1 dramAqua Distill 4 dramsOv. Albuminis 3 dramsSucci Citri 3 dramsSacchari 1 ounce
Mix and apply as directed.
Caution.—Sulphur and mercury preparations should not be used at the same time, nor immediately succeeding each other, as they will stain the skin.
BALDNESS. (Alopecia). Causes.—Hereditary and diseases. Congenital and senile (old age) baldness is incurable. Congenital (born without hair) baldness is rare.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Baldness, Well Recommended for.—"A first class hair restorative is made of sage tea and whisky in equal parts with a dash of quinine in the bottle."
2. Baldness, Vaselin and Quinine for.—
"Vaselin 1 ounceQuinine 1/2 ounce"
Mix together and apply to the scalp.
3. Baldness, Good Canadian Remedy for.—"Strong sage tea. Rub the scalp frequently. I have used this with great success."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Baldness.—Persons who have an hereditary tendency to baldness should pay close attention to the hygiene of the scalp, as this is very important. The hair should be shampooed two or three times a week, to remove sebaceous accumulations and other foreign materials. After the scalp has been thoroughly rinsed with clean water and dried, some oil or (tube) vaselin should be rubbed in, Fine-toothed combs should never be used, The daily wetting of the hair is injurious, Rats should be light and well aired, When the hair begins to fall, stimulating applications should be used, in the form of ointments or lotions. The following are among the best with the author's name given but in English instead of Latin.
Dr. Schalek. 1.
Bichloride of Mercury 3 grainsTinct. of Cantharides 1/2 ounceOil of Sweet Almonds 1 dramSpirits of Rosemary 1 ounceRectified Spirits of Wine 2 ouncesDistilled water enough to make 6 ounces
Mix; shake bottle well; rub thoroughly into the scalp every morning.
2. Carbolic add 15 grains Glycerin 2 drams Cologne water 1 ounce
Mix, and apply to the scalp once daily.
3. Precipitated Sulphur 1 dramLanolin 2-1/2 dramsGlycerin 2-1/2 dramsRose water enough to make 1 ounce
Mix well. Part the hair in different places and rub ointment into the scalp.
4. Ihle's Mixture.—
Resorcin 1-1/2 dramsCastor Oil 1-1/2 ouncesSpirits of Wine 5 ouncesBalsam Peru 10 drops
Mix. Rub into the scalp daily with a piece of flannel.
5. Bulkley's Lotion.—
Tincture Cantharides 1/2 ounceTincture Capsicum 1/2 ounceCastor Oil 1 dramCologne Water 1 ounce
Mix and apply daily to the scalp.
6. Lassar's Ointment.—
Pilocarpine Muriate 30 grainsVaseline 5 dramsLanolin 2 ouncesOil of Lavender 20 drops
Mix and apply to the scalp.
BALD PATCHES. (Alopecia Areata).—These appear rather suddenly. They are circular bald patches which may appear on any hairy part of the body, but more frequently on the scalp. It is considered a chronic trouble, but tends to final recovery.
Cause.—Occurs usually between the ages of ten and forty. It may be from a parasite.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.—Cod-liver oil, elixir quinine, iron and strychnine one dram three times daily. Arsenic, Fowler's solution, four drops three times daily.
Local Treatment.—Stimulating remedies, like sulphur, tar, tincture of cantharides, capsicum, in various strength in combination such as given for baldness. In old persons it may become permanent.
ANIDROSIS. (Lessened Sweat Secretion).—This means a diminution of the sweat secretion. The patient does not sweat enough, especially in certain skin diseases like psoriasis, etc.
Treatment.—Hot water, vapor baths, friction, massage, etc., should be used to increase the sweat secretion. Treat the accompanying skin disease.
FOUL SWEATING. (Bromidrosis). Symptoms.—The odor may be very disagreeable, or resemble the odor of certain flavors or fruits. It is generally found in the arm-pit and genital organs.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Offensive Sweating, Alum Water for.—"A wash made with a teaspoonful of alum and a quart of water will prevent offensive sweating. We all know how disagreeable it is to sit near a person in a street car or any crowded place, who has an odor of perspiration about them, How easy it would be to use this wash and rid yourself of this difficulty,"
2. Sweaty Feet, Borax and Alcohol for.—"Dissolve a tablespoonful of powdered borax in half a pint of diluted alcohol (half alcohol, half water) and rub the feet at night, You will find this a splendid remedy." I
3. Sweating, Simple Home Remedy to Produce.—"Place a rubber sheet or blanket under the patient. Have a simple blanket soaking in hot water and when all is ready, wring blanket as dry as possible and wrap about the patient up to the neck. After this a dry blanket is wrapped around the patient. Care should be taken not to have the blanket hot enough to burn the patient, but not too cool. After a few minutes the patient is taken out, rubbed dry gently and left to rest and sleep." This treatment will be found very beneficial and inexpensive.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Foul Sweating.—Frequent bathing, dressing powders of boric and salicylic acids, etc.
1. Salicylic Acid 1/2 ouncePowdered Starch 1/2 ounce
Mix and dust on the parts.
2. Boric acid powdered may also be used.
3. Powdered Boric Acid and Salicylic Acid; Equal parts.
To be used as a dusting powder on the sweating parts.
3. One per cent solution of potassium permanganate or permanganate of potash is good applied to the parts.
CALLOSITY or Callositas.—This is circumscribed yellowish-white, thickened and horny patches of one of the layers of the cuticle (epidermis).
Causes—They come as the result of the occupation or pressure, and sometimes without any seeming cause.
Symptoms.—They occur mostly on the hands and feet and are usually sensitive.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT, for Callosity or Callositas.—Remove the cause of the horny masses. The latter is done by soaking them with prolonged hot water baths and scraping off the mass afterwards. This should be continued and done frequently.
Salicylic Acid 30 grainsCollodion 4 ounce
Mix and apply with a camel's hair pencil.
CORNS. (Calvus).—A small, flat, deep-seated, horny growth, mostly on or between the toes.
Cause.—Usually the result of too tight or too loose shoes. Due to pressure and rubbing.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—Corns, one of the Surest Remedies.—"Take salicylic acid, make a thick paste with flour, put on absorbent cotton and apply, leaving same on several days; soak well and corn will come out." This is a thoroughly tried remedy and a good one. This is about as good a cure as there is for corns. After this paste has been on the corn for three days, it should be removed and the feet soaked well, and the corn scraped off.
2. Corns, Turpentine and Kerosene for.—"A very simple remedy is to apply turpentine or kerosene oil to the affected part on going to bed." It is always a good plan to soak the feet well before treating the corn, as the turpentine will penetrate more quickly.
3. Corns, to Remove Without Pain.—
"Alcohol 1/2 ounceMuriatic Acid 1 dramNitric Acid 1 dramOil of Rosemary 1 dramChloroform 2 dramsTincture Iron 2 drams
Mix the above, and apply freely to the corn with little brush or feather until it can be removed with thumb lance. It may require several applications."
4. Corns, Onion a Cure for.—"Soak a small onion in vinegar four hours, then cut in two and bind on the corn at night. In the morning (if the onion has remained over the corn) the soreness will be gone and you can pick out the core. If not cured in first application repeat."
5. Corns, Castile Soap an Effective Remedy for.—"Rub the corn night and morning with castile soap, as often as possible shave it, being careful not to cut deep enough to make it bleed." Be faithful in soaping it thoroughly night and morning for several days until it disappears. This is a very simple but effective remedy.
6. Hard Corns, Iodine a Successful Remedy for.—"Paint the corns with iodine every night for three nights, stop three nights, then apply three nights again, and so on for two weeks." Have tried this and know it to be very successful, especially good for hard corns.
7. Corns, Castor Oil for.—"Apply castor oil; rub it thoroughly, then soak feet. It will soften and remove corns."
8. Corns, Vinegar and Bread for.—"Take bread and soak in vinegar for twenty-four hours, put a plaster on for three or four nights. If not cured on first application, repeat."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Corns.—Remove the cause; soften them by prolonged soaking in hot water, and then gently scrape off the softened particles, continue this for several days; then put a narrow strip of rubber or salicylated plaster (adhesive plaster) over to protect them from pressure. The following is good to soften them:
1. Salicylic Acid 1-1/2 dram Extract of Cannabis indica 10 grains Collodion 1 ounce
Mix and paint on the corn for several days and after soaking corn scrape it off with a sharp knife.
2. A Good but Weaker Remedy:-
Salicylic Acid 30 grainsExtract of Cannabis indica 5 to 10 grainsCollodion 1/2 ounce
Both of these prescriptions are good, the first being stronger with salicylic acid.
3. When the corns are soft with inflammation, wash and dry the foot and apply a solution of nitrate of silver, sixty to one hundred and twenty grains to the ounce of water, to every part every four or five days.