MEDICAL HINTS. 
193 
Certainly the best way to promote the formation of chilblains is to toast 
"the semi-frozen fingers or toes at a fire or stove, before the circulation 
has been re-established. 
When chilblains are threatened, the part should be well rubbed with 
snow, or with camphorated spirit. Sponging with hot vinegar is very 
effective. Chilblains are checked in the early stages by painting with 
tincture of iodine. Ulcerated chilblains should be dressed with boric 
ointment spread on lint. 
Prolonged exposure to intense cold leads to development of frostbite. 
If the case is a bad one, or injudiciously treated, gangrene or death of 
the part always follows; if this is extensive, amputation may be necessary. 
Frostbite should be treated first by vigorous friction with snow or 
pjounded ice. The affected parts should then be well wrapped with 
cloths wet with cold water. It is extremely dangerous to bring the 
frozen parts near a fire. Afterwards, the part should be wrapped in 
-eotton-wool. 
Scurvy. 
Scurvy is a disease caused by the consumption of salted food, and 
•deprivation of fresh vegetables for a considerable period. 
Symptoms .—Loss of colour, weakness, drowsiness, languor, and apathy, 
with possibly pains in the limbs. After a time small spots appear all over 
the body, caused by the effusion of blood beneath the skin, the gums 
become spongy and tender, and the teeth are loosened. If the con¬ 
dition persists the patient becomes sallow, bloated, breathless on exertion, 
■and totally unfit for work, and may have fainting fits. If not relieved, 
death may supervene. Scurvy is often associated in its later stages with 
dysentery. 
Treatment .—Fresh vegetable food, potatoes, green vegetables or salad. 
Fresh meat once a day. Lime juice, jam and fruit are also very valuable 
as routine preventatives. It will often be found advisable to adopt, in 
some measure, the dietary used by the natives. 
Boils . 
Boils are very common in the tropics. They should be poulticed or 
fomented frequently. When there is a yellow head they may be opened, 
VOL. II. o 
