72 PEINCIPLES OF TETEEINABY SUEGEET 



non-pigmented parts the skin appears a lead color or bluisH 



Ted. There may be' fever. 



Describe the symptoms of a deep abscess. 



This is more difficult to diagnose, at least in its early 

 formative stage. There appears soon local cedema, with a. 

 brawny feel, and other signs of suppuration, and, in case th& 

 leg is the seat of the deep abscess, great functional disturb- 

 ance. Such symptoms may call for an explorative aspira- 

 tion, puncture or incision made with proper precautions. 

 Sow do you treat an abscess ? 



As long as the local swelling is hard, hasten the softening- 

 of the tissues by continuous hot antiseptic poultices. As. 

 soon as any fluctuation is apparent, at least in subcutaneous- 

 abscess, make a lengthy incision at the most dependent part; 

 irrigate the cavity with an antiseptic solution (bichloride of 

 mercury 1:1000, formalin 1:1000, etc.) by means of a foun- 

 tain syringe, several times daily; otherwise, institute the so- 

 called open wound treatment. 



In deeply located abscess it would be faulty to wait for 

 the abscess to point — that is, the detection of fluctuation by 

 palpation — as the pus may gravitate, causing extensive^ 

 necrosis and septic states. As soon as a deep abscess is sur- 

 mised, make an incision through the skin, puncture the fascia. 

 carefully, and now, with the disinfected finger, by boring 

 movements attempt to reach the abscess cavity. After 

 thorough antiseptic irrigation of the deeply seated cavity and 

 providing drainage, inject several ounces of iodoform and 

 glycerine 1 : 10, put in a drain, and after that treat same as a. 

 siiperficial abscess. 



Why are deep abscesses opened with the finger instead of 

 with the thrust of a knife f 



To avoid injuring important blood-vessels and nerves. 



