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.

    34/554 (page 22)
    duces intense redness, followed by rapid vesication. The impression is painful. The acid must be used with caution, as its action extends to con- siderable depth and a severe sore may ensue. On horny growths it exercises a solvent action without the production of a distinct slough or eschar. It seems to soften, gelatinize, and dissolve the horny epithelium. On mucous surfaces it induces a white albuminate. Glacial acetic acid is also classed as a parasiticide. Diseases of the Skin.—As a caustic, glacial acetic acid is sometimes employed in the treatment of Warts and Corns. A few drops applied twice daily, will, after a time, complete their destruction. Its action in this regard is somewhat milder than that of other caustics. On Horny Growths it exercises a solvent action without the production of a disr tinct slough or eschar. In small N^vi the action of glacial acetic acid is often very satisfactory. It is best applied on the point of a sharpened •stick, which is bored into the nsevus patch at one or several points. The slight pain caused by the application passes away in a few moments. But little subsequent reaction is noticed. Piffard has found a mix- ture of equal parts of glacial acetic acid and glycerin of use in the smaller patches of Lupus Erythematosus, where it seems to stimulate absorption of the morbid deposit. In Tinea Unguium, glacial acetic acid is also employed for its parasiticide effect. The affected nail is scraped down as near to the quick as possible and then the acid is applied. This softens the horny tissue of the nail and penetrates to the fungus, which it appears to destroy. Glacial acetic acid has been recom- mended in the treatment of various New Growths, but we are inclined to think its effect inferior to that of other caustics. Glacial acetic acid is employed in the treatment of Tinea Tonsurans, a drop of the acid being introduced into each of the individual hair follicles, when only a few of these remain affected in stubborn cases. Its action here is probably merely caustic, as it causes softening and exfoliation of the layers of epithelium which are infiltrated with fungus. Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat.—Glacial acetic acid is one of the most useful agents employed for reducing Hypertrophies of the Nasal Mucous Membrane. The indication for its selection is the presence of inflammatory products in the submucous tissue and proliferation of the epithelial layer. Such a condition commonly results from a neglected catarrh, or the prolongation of the subacute stage of an Acute Coryza. It is contraindicated where the membranes are in a highly excited state from an acute inflammatory attack, or where the erectile element of the membrane is of marked degree. When the fibrous character of hyper- trophies is well defined, acetic acid is less efficient than is chromic acid, or the electro-cautery. In making an application with the acid to secure a cautery-effect the parts should be cleansed and a drop of the glacial acid