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LARD (Adeps)

Categories: Medical Uses of Some Common Household Articles

This is a common household article known to all. It is
frequently used as the basis for ointments and cerates and in domestic

practice as a lubricant. Tincture benzoin added to it prevents it from

becoming rancid. It can be used in corrosive poisoning as an antidote

except where phosporus and carbolic acid have been swallowed. It is also

used in preparing articles of food. It has more penetrating power than

petrolatum or vase
in. Washed lard, beaten up with an equal quantity of

lime-water, and a few drops of oil of bitter almond, thymol, or carbolic

acid added, is splendid for burns; stiffened with yellow wax it forms the

simple ointment often used. It softens the hard skin and reduces its heat,

when the natural secretion is suppressed. It also softens and removes

scabs and lessens and prevents the effect of irritant discharges. The

simple lard ointment relieves the intense heat and itching of the skin in

scarlet fever. Dissolved and given in large doses it causes nausea and

vomiting.



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