CHAPTER XXVIII 

 PROTECTIVES 



Peotectives may be conveniently divided into emollients, 

 demulcents and dusting povs^ders. 



Emollients are agents whicli soften and relax the parts to vs^hich 

 they are applied, vyhile demulcents sooth and protect the parts. 

 There is no sharp line of division between the two groups as some sub- 

 stances act in both ways. As a general rule, the term emollient is 

 used to specify those substances which are applied to the skin, while 

 the term demulcent is restricted to those applied to mucous mem- 

 branes. Dusting powders form another group of agents which are 

 applied to the skin for protectant and soothing effect. They should 

 be free from grittiness, dry and insoluble. 



EMOLLIENTS 



The most commonly used emollients are : 



Lard Expressed oil of almond 



Suet Linseed oil 



Wool fat Petrolatum. 



Olive oil Wax 



Spermaceti Glycerin 



Emollients have no action except through mechanical means. 

 They relieve irritation of the skin or diseased surfaces by preventing 

 the part from, drying, or protecting it from dust, bacteria or gases. 

 They soften the skin by penetrating it and thus relieve tension and 

 pain in inflamed parts. Einally they are used as vehicles and to 

 promote the absorption of other drugs. 



ADEPS — LARD 



Lard is the purified internal fat of the abdomen of the hog. 

 Adeps Benzoinatus, benzoinated lard, is lard to which 1 per cent, 

 of gum benzoin is added as a preservative. 



SEVUM PRJEPARATUM — SUET 



This is the internal fat of the abdomen of the sheep purified 



by boiling and straining. 



475 ..,.,'. 



