INSECT BITES
Remedies For Insect Bites.
| I.— | Carbolic acid | 15 grains |
|---|---|---|
| Glycerine | 2 drachms | |
| Rose water | 4 ounces | |
| II.— | Salicylic acid | 15 grains |
| Collodion | 2 1/2 drachms | |
| Spirit of ammonia | 5 1/2 drachms | |
| III.— | Fluid extract rhus toxicodendron | 1 drachm |
| Water | 8 ounces | |
| IV.— | Ipecac, in powder | 1 drachm |
| Alcohol | 1 ounce | |
| Ether | 1 ounce | |
| V.— | Betanaphthol | 30 grains |
| Camphor | 30 grains | |
| Lanolin cold cream | 1 ounce |
VI.—Spirit of sal ammoniac, whose favorable action upon fresh insect bites is universally known, is often unavailable. A simple means to alleviate the pain and swelling due to such bites, when still fresh, is cigar ashes. Place a little ashes upon the part stung, add a drop of water—in case of need beer, wine, or coffee may be used instead—and rub the resulting paste thoroughly into the skin. It is preferable to use fresh ashes of tobacco, because the recent heat offers sufficient guarantee for absolute freedom from impurities. The action of the tobacco ashes is due to the presence of {418} potassium carbonate, which, like spirit of sal ammoniac, deadens the effect of the small quantities of acid (formic acid, etc.) which have been introduced into the small wound by the biting insect.