_Treatment._—The general treatment is the same as that described for
erysipelas. The local treatment is to thoroughly open up and disinfect
the poisoned part.
_Bruises._
A bruise should be treated by bathing with cold water, or the frequent
application of wet cloths. The addition of Goulard water, gin, methylated
spirits, eau de cologne, or vinegar, to the water, is beneficial.
_Sprains._
The affected joint should be raised on pillows, and treated in the
manner advised for bruises, but if seen immediately after the injury,
firm strapping with adhesive plaster and bandaging of the part is often
equally serviceable. If inflammation develops, warm fomentations will be
found soothing, leeching may be necessary, and free purgation always has
a good effect.
The troublesome stiffness which often remains is relieved by friction
and kneading with the hand. To regain the use of the joint, it should be
gently moved each day; this movement is less painful if it is performed
with the joint in hot water.
_Poisoned Wounds from Snakes, Animals, and Arrows, etc._
In cases of poisonous snake-bite, the marks of two fangs will usually be
found.
_Treatment._—Tie a piece of tape, bandage, or cord a couple of inches
above the wound, _i.e._, between the wound and the body; tie another
piece still nearer the body, say three inches from the first. Cut across
the wound or wounds to encourage free bleeding.
(If a medical man is present, he may think fit to inject anti-venomous
serum as an antidote to snake poison.)
Dissolve as much permanganate of potash as possible in about a
teaspoonful of water, stirring well to hasten its solution. Inject about
five drops of this underneath the skin, on either side of the cut, by
means of a hypodermic syringe. Some of the solution may be injected into
the wound itself, or even a crystal of the drug may be pressed into the
cut, or part of a crushed tablet of the drug.
It is best to keep a small bottle of the strong solution of permanganate
always ready.
Give spirits strong, that is, one tablespoonful to one of water; at least
four such doses in the first hour. Ammonia may also be given.
If the patient is heavy and stupid, give two tablets of strychnine
(one-hundredth of a grain in each) in half a wine-glassful of water, by
the mouth; or dissolve two in twenty drops of water, and inject well
beneath the skin into the muscles of the back. If there is no improvement
within an hour, give two more tablets; and if necessary, one or two more
in another hour.
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