HEALTH
D., H. E. Dearholt, M.
Health By H. E. DEARHOLT, M. D. Director, Htaltn Irilrcction Bureau. University of Wisconsin Extension Division FIRST AID IN CUTS OEROXIDE of hydrogen in dirty wounds is a false prophet. Too...
...They simply keep germs from delaying the natural repair...
...Carbolic acid solutions are likewise attended by danger and pre little used now-a-days, even by surgeons...
...For dressings only clean wrappings should be used...
...Too many * are putting unwarranted faith in the antiseptic qualities of this solution...
...This is true in deep wounds such as are caused by stepping on a nail or in Fourth of July injuries, for example...
...Sealing a wound which may contain germs with collodian, plasters, or any preparation which makes an air and water tight coating is dangerous...
...It drives infection in, as well as out...
...In many instances its employment is positively dangerous...
...In serious injuries it is expected that a competent surgeon will be employed...
...Alcohol will do this quite as well and doesn't smear the cut to catch other dirt, or make a mess for the surgeon to wash away...
...Clean lint and absorbent ravelings will do as well and will add no new sources of danger...
...Peroxide of hydrogen appeals to popular fancy hecause it is such an active, stir-about sort of remedy...
...In addition to being a most efficient germ killer, it quickly evaporates after doing its work and leaves the tissues in ideal condition...
...Probably the best, safest, cleanest and most convenient household antl- . setic is alcohol (absolute, not wood or denatured...
...To stanch bleeding don't use cobwebs, tobacco, etc...
...It foams and bubbles until it seems as though it must drive all infection out of a wound by its busy-body methods...
...The hands of whoever treats a wound should be clean in order that no additional-dirt or germs may he introduced...
...If cloths are not certainly clean, saturate them in alcohol and wring out...
...Thorough washing of the hands and rinsing in alcohol will suffice in ordinary circumstances...
...On the other hand, it does little good...
...In wide open cuts, it is likely to do no harm...
...Like some other busy-bodies, it has no brains...
...Clean cuts heal quite as promptly without chemical assistance...
...Healing salves and ointments" don't heal...
Vol. 6 • August 1914 • No. 31
