Treatment of Rhus Poisoning — 141 
TREATMENT OF RHUS POISONING. 
(O)eed2s baie 
It seems there are almost as many “cures” for rhus poisoning as 
there are people susceptible to it. These cures vary from an ounce 
dose of epsom salt (taken internally, of course) to applications of Tr. 
Iodine and solutions of sugar of lead externally. 
Those who know themselves to be susceptible to the poison should 
investigate the possibility of immunizing themselves by taking Tr. rhus 
toxicodendron. This paper outlines a successful method of treating 
the dermatitis after it has appeared. No claim of originality is made 
in the selection of the drugs used, but, it is believed, something new 
will be found in the manner of their application. 
The following paragraphs give in order the steps in the treatment 
and if begun within a few hours after exposure to the poison will pre- 
vent the inflammation. 
(1) Thoroughly wash the exposed skin with a heavy lather of 
laundry (strongly alkaline) soap in warm water, using a soft brush. 
(2) Immediately mop off the skin with cotton saturated with ethyl 
aleohol (denatured with phenol is preferable). 
(3) Then apply Tr. grindelia, using a pledget of cotton or soft 
cloth. Continue the application of this at four-hour intervals until all 
itching has ceased or until practically all swelling has disappeared. 
The skin now will feel dry and drawn. (The length of time required 
for this part of the treatment will vary from two to five days, depend- 
ing upon the susceptibility of the patient to the poison and also upon 
the length of time elapsing between exposure and the beginning of the 
treatment. An average is about three days.) 
(4) For the purpose of restoring the surface of the skin to a 
normal condition, now may be applied a mixture of 1/3 ounce each of 
ethyl alcohol, glycerine, and rose water, to which is added ten grains 
of phenol. This softens and aids in the exfoliation of the dead epi- 
dermis. 
Purdue University. 
