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Of Whitlow

Categories: OF SOME ANOMALOUS CASES.
Sources: Application Of The Lunar Caustic In The Cure Of Certain Wounds And Ulcers

The lunar caustic is very useful in the treatment of this painful

affection. Patients seldom apply to the surgeon before suppuration has

taken place. It is then, I think, the best plan to open the abscess

freely, to apply the caustic well within the cavity, and then to

envelope the part by the cold poultice and lotion. In this manner the

pain and irritation are almost immediately removed, after the smart of

the caustic
has subsided. A second application is seldom necessary.

In some cases, however, there is an increase of inflammation in a day

or two, which requires the caustic to be again applied. When the

inflammation has subsided, the loose cuticle may be removed, and the

caustic must be applied to form an eschar.



In slight cases the lunar caustic may be passed over the inflamed

part, and in this manner suppuration and the continuance of

inflammation is often prevented.



In those cases in which the suppuration is artificial and attended

with severe diffused inflammation, the pus should be evacuated and a

cold poultice applied for a day or two; for the too early application

of the caustic would only add to this kind of inflammation; see p. 11;

afterwards the skin may be removed, and if there be excoriations the

caustic may be lightly applied.



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