A handbook of local therapeutics / edited by Harrison Allen.

Date:
1893
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A handbook of local therapeutics / edited by Harrison Allen. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    112/554 (page 100)
    lOO baths, their soothing effect being probably due to some osmotic action, similar to that which takes place when carbonate of sodium solution is employed as a dressing for burns. In the intense Dermatitis of Burns and in skin affections like Pemphigus, where the patient is more or less flayed, the continuous tepid bath as devised by Hebra, offers a medium in which the patient can live without such anguish as constantly tortures him when exposed to the air, and even with some greater chance for recovery. Very little true absorption either of water or of substances contained in it takes place in the bath, but a certain amount of imbibition of water and of substances dissolved in it may occur, as far as the superficial layers of the epidermis are concerned. Such imbibition is much favored by warmth, previous washing of the skin with soap, and repeated immer- sions. The palms and soles appear to absorb more rapidly than other parts of the body. Gases and volatile matters dissolved in water may be absorbed through the skin. Sulphurous acid and free iodine are thus taken into the system, through the skin, in baths, while free carbonic acid is absorbed either not at all or only in minute quantities. The plain warm-water bath is useful in macerating the epidermis and preparing it for the reception of oleaginous and other preparations. In Ichthyosis great relief is gained by prolonged daily tepid baths, followed by the use of emollient ointments. The simple warm bath, or the warm bath containing carbonate of sodium, finds its place in the treatment of skin diseases, accompanied by the formation of crusts and scales over a considerable portion of the body. Maceration detaches these masses and prepares the skin for the more direct application of remedies. Eczema Pustulosum, Ecthyma, some of the Syphilodermata, Psoriasis, and similar diseases, may be treated thus. The imbibition of water and watery solutions by the superficial layers of the epidermis is taken advantage of in the treatment of Parasitic Diseases, particularly Scabies. Here the medicated water does certainly penetrate far enough to destroy the itch insect and its ova, and no further penetration is needed. The employment of vapor baths to facilitate the penetration of medici- nal substances, is exemplified in the treatment of Syj^hilodermata by • the mercurial vapor bath. (See Appendix.) Here the body, immersed in hot, watery vapor until free perspiration takes place, is in a fit condi- tion to absorb the mercurial vapor disengaged simultaneously. Ice. Ice is refrigerant and analgesic. It constricts the calibre of small vessels, and thus acts as a haemostatic, antisecretant, and antiphlogistic. Diseases of the Mouth, Throat, Etc.—Pieces of ice held in the