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.

    63/554 (page 51)
    nitric acid, so that it is not desirable to use it in extensive growths of this kind. Diluted nitric acid may be employed for the removal of Chlo- asma. It must be used, however, with some caution. The object is simply to cause such exfoliation of the skin as may suffice to remove the pigmentary matter. If the action goes a little deeper, a slough with resulting cicatrix may ensue. Nitric acid, pure or slightly diluted, may be employed for the removal of Pigmentary N^vi or small Moles. In this affection it is scarcely possible to remove the disease entirely without producing a cicatrix, and the patient should be forewarned of this probable result. Diluted nitric acid is employed as a lotion in Pruritus. Liveing sug- gests the following formula : R. Acid nitric, dilut., fgiij; Tinct. opii, f^ij; Aquae, ad Oj. M. As a lotion to Ulcers, it is employed in the strength of twelve minims to the pint of water. Nitric acid is also employed in baths (see Baths). Diseases of the Ear, Throat, and Nose.—The topical action of nitric acid in the throat, mouth, and nose is, in the main, confined to its caustic effect. To secure this, the undiluted acid must be selected. It is more diffusible than any other acid which is used for caustic purposes. It resembles acetic acid and chromic acid in the character of the eschar produced, but its application excites more pain than does either of these agents. It may supplant them in the destruction of hypertrophied nasal mucous membl-ane. The degree of diffusibility of nitric acid renders it unfit for use in the destruction of Aural Polypus, while presenting some advantages over agents, whose actions are more limited, in endeavoring to cover the sinuous surface of a Phagedenic Ulcer with a protectant eschar. Hence, it is frequently used in the local treatment of Noma and Putrid Sore Throat. The pure acid is carried on the end of a match or glass rod and rubbed firmly into the parts. Roosa states that he has suc- ceeded in removing Cerumen by the use of fuming nitric acid, after having failed with both alkaline solution and oils. Since the introduc- tion of peroxide of hydrogen this remedy should be discarded. S. Hartwell Chapman believes that nitric acid can be employed in the same indications as chromic acid for the destruction of growths in the nasal chamber, and in the treatment of Chronic Catarrh accompanied with free discharge. ACIDUM OXY-NAPHTHOICUM (Alpha). White, inodorous, micro-crystalline powder; soluble in 30,000 parts of cold water- more readily soluble in aqueous solutions of the bicarbonates or of ammonium, which hen enter into combination with it. More readily soluble in alcohol, chloroform, benzol and oils, both fixed and volatile. {Merck's Bulletin.) '