INFLAMMATION ^ 



' be renewed every three to four hours to be of any value. 

 The best results are obtained by the so-called Priessnitz 

 1 fomentation. 



Describe the Priessnitz fomentation. 



A cloth of an absorbent nature is dipped into cold water 

 and wrung out. This cloth or bandage is applied to the 

 ' diseased part. Over it are wrapped several layers of woolen 

 ' anaterial. In cases which warrant the expense, a layer of 

 oiled silk or some other impervious article is applied, before 

 the last woolen bandages are placed. The whole thing is 

 lemoved and reapplied every four to six hours. 



Describe the action of the Priessnitz fomentation. 



The application of the cold dressing produces a temporary 

 contraction of the underlying blood vessels, followed by a 

 decided dilatation of them. The moist cloth or bandage soou 

 becomes warmed by the parts with which it is in contact, and 

 since the overlying woolen layers prevent the evaporation of 

 heat, the temperature of the surface skin next to the moist 

 dressing reaches body temperature. By changing the Priess- 

 nitz every three to six hours the blood vessels are induced to 

 contract and dilate, thus vitalizing the parts, materially- 

 encouraging the reparative processes— that is, the breaking 

 down and absorption of the inflammatory exudates. 



Dwring what stages of inflamm,ation is heat indicated ? 



In all subacute and chronic forms ; whenever the vitality 

 of the parts is low ; where there is great tension ; where sup- 

 puration is present ; when sloughs are to be separated. 



When is the application of heat contraindicated ? 



At the very outset of inflammation, in cases of septic 

 cellulitis and malignant oedema, as these pathological pro- 

 cesses are encouraged by the action of heat. 



