288 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



For a black heel : 



Take of Powdered Alum, 3j ; 



Powdered Charcoal, 3J. 

 Levigate the same. 



For a white heel, oxide of zinc alone may be used : 

 its astringent strength may be augmented by the addition of 

 alum, beginning with the proportions of 1 to 8. Those who 

 prefer an aqueous solution, may employ sugar of lead, or 

 sulphate of zinc. The ointments I recommend for common 

 use are the following : 



Take of Alum finely powdered, 5J ; 

 Hogs' Lard, 3J ; 

 Sulphuric Acid, gutt. x. 

 Melt the lard, and stir in the other ingredients. 



Take of Citrine Ointment, 1 part ; 



Hogs' Lard, 2 parts. 

 Melt together. 



The decline of inflammation rendering poultices unnecessary, 

 I sprinkle the heels with astringent powder, using it once 

 or twice a day. As soon as the greasy issue is arrested, and 

 the skin is becoming dry, 1 substitute an astringent oint- 

 ment for the powder ; this last corrects any disposition in 

 the heel to crack, by supplying an artificial lubricator. 



Where the inflammation is violent, and is combined with 

 tumefaction, give a purge and pursue the poulticing : after 

 which, follow the astringent treatment. 



In chronic cases with a profuse discharge, which is rotting 

 the horn of the foot, and polluting the atmosphere of the 

 stable, proceed as follows : Trim the heels close, thoroughly 

 cleanse them with warm water and a sponge, then rub them 

 dry. A pledget of tow, with two long ends, of this 

 shape — 



