These means strike at the cause of the complaint; but if it do not remove the effect very soon, we are not to trust to them alone. For once a morbid secretion being excited, it is very apt to continue, although the exciting cause cease to operate.
On this account, we ought, without delay, to have recourse to astringent injections, such as a strong decoction of red oak bark, with the addition of a little alum or a solution of alum in water. Half an ounce of the former to be dissolved in a bottle of water; which should be thrown into the vagina by means of a female syringe, two or three times a day. The celebrated Dr. Burns says, after many trials, he satisfied himself, that although assistance may be derived from internal medicines and the cold bath, yet the chief dependence is to be placed on astringent applications to the seat of the discharge; and these, where there is no fulness of the general system, nor any affection of the womb itself, are perfectly safe, and seldom fail in producing a cure.
It will be prudent, when this disease occurs as an early symptom of pregnancy, not to check the discharge suddenly, lest miscarriage be the consequence; but it may be moderated by injections of water, with the addition of a little vinegar, or an infusion of green tea. Neither should the discharge be suddenly suppressed when it has been of long standing, and acquired a considerable degree of acrimony, with an offensive smell. For if it be unseasonably checked, the belly swells, and a train of the most disagreeable symptoms occurs. In such cases, soap suds, or an infusion of chamomile flowers or hops, should be frequently thrown up the vagina; and, as soon as the blood is freed of its impurities, by suitable medicines, and has recovered, in some measure, its soft and balmy quality of which it has been deprived, the astringent injections may be employed with perfect safety.
The application of a blister to the sacrum, has, in some obstinate cases, been attended with advantage.
When the fluor albus proceeds from worms, purgatives and bitter clysters are the proper remedies.
Pain in the back and loins is often mitigated by the application of a large adhesive or strengthening plaster, and by avoiding a standing posture of long continuance, much walking, dancing, or any other violent exertion.
Women should carefully avoid all the remote causes of the disease: they should pay diligent attention to cleanliness, by washing the parts frequently with cold water; and when there are excoriations, milk and water, or lead water, may be employed as a wash.
Regimen.
The diet should be light, cordial, and nourishing, consisting of isinglass dissolved in milk by boiling it, jellies, custards, rice, milk, soft-boiled eggs, gelatinous broths, and light meats, together with a prudent use of genuine wine, particularly claret or port.
Women, affected with this disease, should by no means indulge in the use of tea and other warm slops of a relaxing nature; but should lie on a mattress in preference to a feather bed; and they should rise early, and take such daily exercise as their strength will admit, particularly on horseback. When there is much languor, with chilliness, friction with the flesh-brush, and wearing flannel next the skin, must not be omitted.