Applying Medicines 135 



External Medication. — Medicines are frequentlj^ ap- 

 plied by rubbing them on the skin, in the form of 

 lotions, liniments, ointments or salves. Applications 

 are also made in the form of poultices and fomenta- 

 tions. Lotions are medicines in solution, that are use- 

 ful for their healing, cooling or soothing effects to 

 the part to which they are applied. Liniments are 

 solutions usually containing some irritating substance, 

 such as turpentine or ammonia. They are often mixed 

 with oil, and are applied to a part by rubbing them in. 

 If they are applied too frequently and with considerable 

 friction, they may blister the part, especially if the part 

 is covered by a bandage to prevent evaporation. Lini- 

 ments should never be applied to fresh wounds nor 

 sores, nor to parts badly inflamed, as they are very likely 

 to increase the irritation of the part and to cause con- 

 siderable pain. They are useful in chronic cases of in- 

 flammation when a mild counter -irritation is desirable. 

 Ointments are medicines mixed with a fatty or waxy 

 substance, and are usually applied externally to soften, 

 soothe and heal inflamed parts. If they contain irrita- 

 ting substances they are usualh^ called blisters. Poultices 

 are soft, moist substances applied to soften and soothe 

 the part and to relax the tissues. They are usually applied 

 as hot as can be comfortably borne and are changed 

 frequently. It is not a good plan to continue the use 

 of poultices very long, as the tissues become soft, flabby 

 and debilitated. Poultices are very useful in severe in- 

 flammation to relieve the pain and soothe the part. In 

 old chronic sores they soften the tissue, allay the irrita- 

 tion and hasten recovery. They should seldom be kept 



