ANTISEPTICS. 73 



Chloride of zinc, formerly used for treating unhealthy wounds, 

 is a powerful antiseptic. In 5 per cent, solution it rapidly destroys 

 most spores (Koch), but it is caustic. The 10 per cent, solution is 

 useful for disinfecting fistulae, abscesses, and suppurating or septic 

 wounds. 



Sochi's paste, consisting of 50 parts oxide of zinc, 50 parts water, 

 and 5 parts chloride of zinc, is used in veterinary practice ; applied 

 to aseptic sutured wounds it forms a kind of protective varnish, 

 replacing a dressing. It is specially useful for wounds about the 

 head and in the upper regions of the body. 



Permanganate of potash is also a good antiseptic, devoid of toxic 

 jDroperties. It owes its microbicidal powers to the oxygen which it 

 disengages. Producing no irritation it can be used for all wounds, 

 especially those in mucous membranes. A solution of 1 in 1000 

 is useful for disinfecting the mouth, nasal cavity, vagina, rectum, 

 and serous cavities. A 10 per cent, solution is used for infected 

 wounds and occasionally for the hands. The stain can be removed 

 by plunging the hands into a 10 per cent, solution of hyposulphite of 

 soda to which has been added a few drops of hydrochloric acid. 



Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful germicide. Mixed with blood 

 or pus it decomposes with effervescence, and is of considerable value 

 as a disinfectant for sinuses and abscess cavities. With normal 

 saline solution hydrogen peroxide is a useful haemostatic. 



Biniodide of mercury is stated to be thirty times more active 

 than sublimate, and a solution of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 20,000 is used 

 for disinfecting the vagina and mucous membrane of the uterus. 

 This solution neither irritates the hands, nor the lips of wounds, and 

 does not injure instruments. 



Iodine is a very active antiseptic ; one part in 7000 destroys 

 both bacilli and their spores (Koch). Iodine, dissolved in chloroform 

 or ether, or as the tincture is largely used for disinfecting the skin 

 prior to operation. Solutions are employed as injections for bursal 

 distensions after evacuation of the contents, and the undiluted tincture 

 is an excellent application for offensive wounds and abscess cavities. 



Iodoform, long employed for treating wounds and ulcers, is especially 

 useful in checking suppuration. Its action is slow. Being both 

 antiseptic and analgesic it assists cicatrisation, retards decomposition 

 of wound discharges, and diminishes pain. Powdered over the lips 

 of wounds before suturing it does not prevent immediate union. 

 Dusted in a thin layer into wounds with loss of substance it keeps 

 them aseptic for 5, 6, or 7 days, constituting a kind of disinfecting 

 reserve. Its disadvantages are its disagreeable odour and high price, 



