GREASE. 289 



extended and flexed, cracks of the skin begin to appear, and these, 

 if neglected, rapidly extend, and the heel becomes a mass of sore- 

 ness, ulceration, and fungus. 



The distance of the heel from the centre of circulation, and the 

 exposure and changes to which the part is subjected, render it a 

 matter of little wonder that it is frequently attacked by inflam- 

 mation. 



Grease is a local complaint. It is produced principally by 

 causes that act locally, and it is most successfully treated hy lo- 

 cal applications. Diuretics and purgatives may be useful in abat- 

 ing inflammation ; but the grand object is to get rid of the in- 

 flammatory action which exists in the skin of the heel, and to 

 heal the wounds, and remedy the mischief which it has oc- 

 casioned. 



The first appeaaance of grease is usually a dry and scurfy state 

 of the skin of the heel, with redness, heat, and itchiness. The 

 heel should be well but gently washed with soap and water, and 

 as much of the scurf detached as is easily removable. An oint- 

 ment, composed of one part plum, diacet. and seven of adeps sulIIsb 

 will usually supple, and cool, and heal the part. 



When cracks appear, the mode of treatment will depend on 

 their extent and depth. If they are but slight, a lotion, composed 

 plumbi sulph. 3ij. et aluminis 3iiij., dissolved in a pint of water, 

 will often speedily dry them up, and close them. There is some- 

 times considerable caprice in the application of this lotion, which 

 has induced Professor Morton to have recourse to alumen et tere- 

 binthinus vulgaris one part each, and adeps suillae three parts, made 

 into an ointment. 



If the cracks are deep, with an ichorous discharge and consider- 

 able lameness, it will be necessary to poultice the heel. A poul- 

 tice of linseed meal will be generally effective, unless the discharge 

 is -thin and offensive, when an ounce of finely-powdered charcoal 

 should be mixed with the linseed rneal ; or a poultice of carrots, 

 boiled soft and mashed. The eificacy of a carrot-poultice h °fil- 

 dom sufiiciently appreciated in cases like this. 



When the inflammation and pain have evidently subsided, anA 

 the sores discharge good matter, the calamine ointment may be 

 applied with advantage ; and the cure will generally be quickened 

 if a very diluted vitriolic or alum solution is applied. 



The best medicine will consist of mild aloetio balls ; gentle diu- 

 retics being given towards the close of the treatment. 



After the chaps or cracks have healed, the legs will sometimes 

 continue gorged and swelled. A flannel bandage, evenly applied 

 over the whole of the swelled part, will be very serviceable ; or, 

 should the season admit of it, a run at grass, particularly spring 

 grass, should be allowed, A blister is inadmissible, from the dan 

 19 M 



