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.

    219/554 (page 207)
    effecting this, it should be still persevered with, as it allays the pain and irritation and apparently hastens the curative process. Its success is mainly due to the pressure that it exerts. If pus should accumulate beneath this covering, causing pain, the collodion should be incised and the pus allowed to escape, and the subsequent treatment carried out under the antiseptic method. Contractile collodion (to which a little iodine may be added) painted over the inflamed part in Acute Gout will relieve the pain, though for a short time it increases it. Too many coats must not be applied, as the contraction is great and dragging on the skin results. Care must be exercised not to include superficial hairs, as they excite unnecessary pain during the contraction. Hill and Cooper have advised the application of several coats of con- tractile collodion over the scrotum in Epididymitis. The ether acts as a slight counter-irritant, and after evaporating leaves a thick film of collo- dion over the skin. This contracts and slightly compresses the part within. The collodion may be applied once or twice daily while the acute stage continues. If the patient attempts to move about the testi- cles should be supported in a suspensory bandage well lined with cotton. In the latter stages of the disease, in our experience, nothing is better to remove and hasten the absorption of the inflammatory products than pressure made by strapping with adhesive plaster. In Incontinence of Urine in boys it has been advised to apply a little collodion by means of a camel's-hair brush over the orifice of the prepuce, and thus close the exit for the escaping urine. When it is desired to void urine the little ridge or plug of collodion is easily removed with the finger nail. A fortnight's use will sometimes suffice for a cure. In Ingrowing Toe Nail, collodion, as used by Jno. Neill, is a valu- able means of treatment. The cutting of the affected nail is pro- hibited, and growth is encouraged; cotton is then firmly packed under the free end with a flat probe, passing between the nail and granulations, raising the nail as far from the surface of the toe as possible. After cot- ton has been thoroughly packed under and around the nail, the entire mass is saturated with collodion and allowed to dry, forming a firm wedge, which protects the toe on all sides from the encroachment of the nail. Over this are applied a few strips of adhesive plaster, which pre- vent escape of the cotton from its position. With care, in the course of a fortnight, obstinate cases may be almost entirely cured. If this method of treatment is faithfully carried out evulsion will rarely have to be resorted to. For a reliable combination of collodion and benzoin as a dressing and protectant, see benzoin. Painful Fissures of the hands, lips, and