BIOLOGY APPLIED TO HEALTHFUL LIVING 557 



487. Infection in Wounds. Proper healing without in- 

 flammation depends upon keeping out bacteria. Wash 

 all cuts with weak antiseptics obtained from druggists (e.g., 

 carbolic acid one part to 40 of water, or mercuric chloride 

 tablets in water as directed on bottle. Listerine for slight 

 cuts). Deep cuts or punctures should be dressed by a 

 surgeon, for bacteria may have been pushed in too deep to 

 be reached without special instruments, and there is danger of 

 tetanus or septicaemia (blood poisoning). Protect wounds 

 with sterilized cotton and medicated gauze. Adhesive tape 

 should not be put on so closely as to keep out the air ; and 

 collodion solution is of questionable value for any except 

 shallow and well-cleaned cuts. Always consult a doctor at 

 once if any marked inflammation develops in any wound. 

 Delay in such cases often proves serious. 



488. Preventing Distribution of Disease Germs. This 

 may be accomplished (1) by scientifically dealing with cases 

 of germ diseases, which we discuss below under " the bacteriol- 

 ogy of sick-rooms " ; and (2) by public sanitary control of 

 food-supplies, water, sewage, quarantines, and other matters 

 of public hygiene. 



489. Bacteriology of Sick-rooms. Since it often hap- 

 pens, especially with children, that germ diseases must be 

 treated at home, it is important that every citizen should 

 understand the scientific principles which doctors prescribe. 

 All the rules depend upon the fact that micro-organisms are 

 numerous in the secretions and excretions of patients, and 

 must be destroyed by the methods of bacteriology. 



(1) Isolation. As soon as a person becomes ill, he should 

 remain in one room until the doctor is sure of the diagnosis. 

 If it proves to be a contagious disease, complete isolation 

 will be required by the health officers. Even in cases of 

 diseases not commonly isolated it is best that only the 

 nurse come into contact with the patient, for there is always 

 possible danger of spreading the germs to healthy people. 



