Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1841-12-09
Gee
TREATMENT OF BURNS.


TREATMENT OF BURNS.
We find in recent number of the London
Medical Gazette the following communication on
the treatment of burns, by an eminent Scotch
physician NAT. GAZETTE.
Sir-Consdering the vast number Of accidents
which daily occur ny burning, it may not perhaps
be unacceptable to the profession to have their
attention directed TO an application which have
been in the habit Of using in such cases for somc
time past, with very decided advantage. The
plan Of treatment which adopt, and here allude
to, Is nothing novel, and may, perhaps, be en-
ployed by many, if not known to most. 1t is,
therefore, solely with the view Of detailing what
appears to me most valuable form Of applca-
ton, in cases Of burning. well as of inviting
its more general use, That now trouble you with
the remarks.-lhe more common Of the appica-
tons generally employed appears to me liable to
many objections. The common sweet train
oil is remedy frequently resorted to, in the huI-
ry and hustle OF the moment attending these ac-
cidents, by friends neighbours Of the patient,
who may happen to be present at the time. This
application, too, is not untrequently sanctioned
by the practitioner. Granting the occasional uHi-
mate benefit Of this application, and waving its
hlthy nature, the strong objection to its is
this-that IL seldom or never affords instant relief
to the suffering patient. The same, i think,
holds true in respect ofthe lnimentum aque cal
els, or Carron oil, 80 very frequently. employed.
The common raw cotton, or wadding, has, oflate
years, ana perhaps deServedIy TOO, held especial
favour as local application. -
1t must, however, be admitted, that the patient
derives no immediate relief TO his sufferings upon
It's first application but, on the contrary, not I'M
frequently complains of augmented pain for some
time afterwards This may very easily be ac-
counted for, both by It's acting irritating
body, by its direct contact with the red or raw
surface, as well as 10y increasing for time the
temperature of the part to which ii may be applied
BESIDES, il in a few days becomes saturated with
discharge from the secreting surface, and conse-
quenty not only proves annoying TO the patient,
but also means of keeping up discharge i'm moro
trivial cas"s. The objections are in great meas
ure got rid Thy using common snap, which, be-
sides Its great value as d local application, COM
mands the additional advantage Of always being
at hand in cases Of emergency. The mode in
which am in the habit of employing it is this:--
common shaving box may always be procur-
ed, from which good lather may, in the course
oil minute or two, be easily obtained This la
ther Is then gently laid over the burnt surface by
means OF shaving brush, and repeated so soon
as the first coat begins to dry, or the pain return
This practice ought to be repeated occasionally
during the first day. until such time as the pain
is relieved. The benefit accruing to the patient
is immediate, and the result Of the practice hgr-
ly satisiactory--for in mere superficial burns, if
early applied, vesication is prevented, and in the
course OF few days. desquamatcn 9th cuticle
follows, without leaving a raw surface. OF
course; this, as ii remedial measure, is most APP
P'0eo'e W SuPeTHcldi DuTnS out even, IN such
cases as involve destruction Of the more deep It's
sues, 1t is not used without advantage. in so far
as the personal comfort Of the patient is concern
ed.
In such cases, after The lapse ola few days,
the crust formed By the soap is easily removed,
SO as to permit the employment Of other rene
dits' u necessary. l am not prepared to saw
whether Tie benefit and instantaneous relief, fol-
loving the application of the father, are to be as
crlbcd to It's chemical composition, or sirnply 10
,ne TACT OF It's aiording some degree Of prote con
from atmospheric agency. or both. Were il NO.
cessaFy, could easily adduce many cases in IL
insT"iion OF It's extreme value as a LEGAL appiica-
ton but as this would be needessly encfoacl-
ing upon the space of your Journal, leave il TO
NOSE 81 Tie profession who have net yet tested
It's eilcacy, to substantate by the result Of their
own experience, the truth Of the preceding state.
mcnt. l remain. sir, your very obedient servant.
THOS. WILLIAMSON, NJ. ID.
Leith, Sept. r, 1871.