LYMPHANGITIS WEED 



23 



while waiting for its effects relief may be afforded by warm fomentation 

 and the employment of soothing emollients to the swollen limb. The 

 anodyne effects of warm water may be increased by the addition of opium 

 and solution of the acetate of lead, and the emollient chosen may be 



improved by the addi- 

 tion of extract of bella- 

 donna or cocaine. 



Diuretic agents may 

 here be employed with 

 great promise of success, 

 as they stimulate the 

 kidneys to carry off the 

 morbid material in the 

 blood. Nitrate and bi- 

 carbonate of potash is a 

 convenient form in which 

 to give diuretic drugs. 

 Sometimes benefit re- 

 sults by a free scarifica- 

 tion of the swollen limb, 

 i.e. making a number of 

 small punctures through 

 the skin with a fine 

 lancet. 



Movement during the 

 first two or three days is 

 very painful, and although 

 a reduction of the swell- 

 ing and greater mobility 

 of the limb is the im- 

 mediate result, it appears 

 to increase the inflam- 

 matory action afterwards. 

 With the first subsidence 

 of pain and swelling, 



short walks at frequent intervals may be recommended as reducing the 

 liability to permanent thickening. The appetite is generally impaired at 

 first, and should not be indulged immediately when it returns; a low diet 

 during the period of convalescence being all-important in the matter of 

 treatment. Grass and young vetches or other green food should be 

 supplied, if obtainable, and corn withheld until a good deal of exercise can 



Fig. 209. Lymphangitis 



