170 
SCOUTING FOR GIRLS 
to flow into the surrounding tissues, producing the dis- 
coloration known as “black and blue/ 5 
(b) A Strain is produced by the overstretching of 
muscles or ligaments, or both, but not tearing them. It 
may or may not be accompanied by breaking of capillary 
walls with discoloration. Any muscle or ligament may be 
strained. 
(c) A Sprain is produced by the overstretching of 
the muscles or ligaments or both about a joint. There 
may also be some tearing of the fibres or tearing loose 
from their attachments. This always breaks capillaries 
or small veins, making the surface black and blue. This 
discoloration usually appears some time after the acci- 
dent, because the broken blood vessels are far below 
the surface. 
Treatment — For bruises and strains it is seldom nec- 
essary to call a doctor. Apply cold, either by wringing 
cloths out of cold water and applying, or by holding the 
injured part under the cold water tap. Do this at 
intervals for several hours, until the pain is lessened. 
The cold may be alternated with hot water which must, 
however, be quite hot, just enough not to burn, as luke- 
warm water is almost useless. Some patients will prefer 
to use only hot water. The water followed by applications 
of tincture of arnica, witch hazel, or alcohol and water, 
half and half, and bandaging will be sufficient. 
If, however, there has been no black and blue at first, 
as in a bruise, but it begins to show later, and the pain 
continues severe, and there is a good deal of swelling, 
then you should send for a doctor, as more than first 
aid is needed. 
In case of sprain, send for a doctor, and in the mean- 
time elevate the joint and apply hot or cold water, or 
alternate hot and cold, as patient prefers. This will 
give relief by contracting the blood vessels. 
