VAGINITIS. 511 



by a febrifuge. If the j^ulse is higher than normal, and 

 full, aconite may be given in the usual quantities. Sooth- 

 ing applications should be made to the walls of the vagina, 

 injections of warm water being very useful to allay irritation. 

 A decoction of poppy-heads, with plumbi acetat, zinc sulphas, 

 etc., will be found useful employed as an injection. If the 

 discharge persists after the acute symptoms have disappeared, 

 ferri iodid., in the ordinary sized doses, should be administered 

 as often as may be deemed necessary in the judgment of 

 the practitioner. It is one of the most useful agents known 

 to arrest excessive discharges from mucous membranes in 

 all parts of the body. Good food in liberal quantities, 

 mineral and vegetable tonics, etc., may be given in the con- 

 valescent stages. 



Vulva, Abscess of. — Abscesses occasionally occur in con- 

 nection with the vulva, being caused by injuries of various 

 kinds. The symptoms are those of abscess occurring in 

 any other part of the body. The treatment is also the 

 same as for abscess anywhere else. 



Vulva, Closure of the Lips of. — This condition is one 

 not very commonly met with. It occurs in consequence of 

 injuries to the mucous membrane of the vulva, and may 

 follow parturition weeks afterwards. Debility, in all proba- 

 bility, also exerts a certain amount of influence in the pro- 

 duction of this condition. 



Treatment. — The treatment merely consists of sej^arating 

 the lips of the vulva, which may usually be done with the 

 fingers. In case separation cannot thus be effected, a 

 scalpel should be used to separate them. The irritation 

 thus set up, or that may have existed previously, may be 

 allayed by fomentations, astringent lotions, and, lastly, 

 with cold applications, which will also give tone to the 

 parts. A pledget of tow, cotton, or some similar soft 

 material, saturated with a bland oil, should be inserted 



