INFECTED WOUNDS. 55 



Some surgeons favor the use of sterilized rubber gloves. 

 The objection seems to be that they obtund the sense of 

 touch ; but they are to be recommended when operating on 

 septic or suppurative conditions. Like the artificial skin, 

 they can be rendered absolutely sterile. A German operator 

 has recently advocated covering the hands with a very thin 

 coat of a specially prepared varnish. 



Infected wounds are washed thoroughly with sterile water 

 or salt solution, dusted with some antiseptic powder, and 

 covered with an antiseptic dressing. The antiseptic powder 

 may be omitted. Solutions of bichloride and carbolic acid 

 are not only irritating, but they also form chemical compounds 

 (albuminates) with the tissues and discharges, which constitute 

 a protective barrier for the organisms beneath and render the 

 antiseptic value of the solution nil. Strong solutions interfere 

 with the healing of the wounded tissues. 



Cleanliness and sterilization have in a large measure dis- 

 placed antiseptic solutions in the treatment of fresh and 

 infected wounds. When there is much pus in an open wound, 

 hydrogen peroxide may be used with benefit. It liberates 

 oxygen, which in its nascent state possesses great germicidal 

 power. When dressing a wound, everything that comes in 

 contact with it must be absolutely sterile, including the hands 

 of the dresser. 



