WOUNDS 93 



or else they must be washed out ; otherwise the pus may burrow 

 deeper. 



Carbolic acid and similar agents are commonly used so dilute, 

 as to be without any effect except -cleanliness. When used strong 

 enough to be distinctly antiseptic, they become injurious to the 

 wound surface. If any washing is necessary, then irrigate freely 

 with warm water and salt, one teaspoon to each quart. This is 

 efficient and not injurious. The wound surface must not be 

 rublied during the process of cleansing. 



Dry treatment. — Sometimes quicker and better results can be 

 obtained by the use of nonirritating and astringent antiseptic 

 powder; for instance, the following: iodoform, boracic acid, 

 and tannic acid, in equal parts. This may be dusted over the 

 surface once daily to produce an artificial scab. If the wound 

 is suppurating freely, it may be advisable to irrigate its surface 

 freely for fifteen minutes with 3 per cent creolin, lysol, or car- 

 bolic acid in water before applying the powder. Use the powder 

 freely. In some cases it is advisable to make a second applica- 

 tion of the powder fifteen minutes after the first. 



If the suppuration is checked and the surface scabs over, then 

 use the powder only. If free suppuration begins again, repeat 

 the antiseptic irrigation, and powder. 



Maggots. — This trouble can usually be prevented in small 

 wounds by smearing the following mixture around the border: 

 turpentine 1 part, tar 3 parts, fish oil 2 parts; or, powdered 

 naphthalin 1 oz., lanolin 7 oz. If a w^ound becomes infested 

 with maggots, use chloroform. This may be applied either by 

 spraying or by throwing it in small drops from a sponge. 



Practical suggestions. — Wounds frequently heal more rapidly 

 and perfectly in open air and sunlight than in the stable, be- 

 cause there is more ammonia in the air of the stable, and in- 

 jurious germs are more abundant. Healing of some wounds is 

 retarded by exercise, and such patients should be kept in the 

 stable. 



Rest from motion for the injured parts is generally favorable 

 for wound healing. 



In dressing a recent wound, all dirt and foreign material, 

 and usually all clots of blood, should be carefully removed. This 

 may be done with a mild antiseptic solution used warm; e.g., 

 3 per cent carbolic acid or 3 per cent lysol, or the plain salt 

 solution referred to above. Ordinary surgeon's absorbent cot- 



