Brush burn

is a name given to injuries where the surface of the skin has been removed. They include the scraped arms and legs which are common accidents in childhood. In order to dress a brush burn, particles of dirt should first be removed preferably by means of forceps that have been boiled, and the surrounding skin should then be cleansed with soap and water. The injured part should next be flushed with sterile salt solution, made by boiling water five minutes and adding to it salt in the proportion of one teaspoonful to a pint of water. If the dirt is difficult to remove a soap compress should be applied. To prepare the compress several thicknesses of gauze or muslin should be boiled in a strong solution of castile or green soap for ten minutes. The compress should remain in place several hours, and may be repeated if necessary. After the wound has been thoroughly cleansed, it should be dressed with old muslin that has been saturated in castor oil or spread with boracic ointment.

EXERCISES

  1. Name some common causes of headache and of sleeplessness, and outline rational treatment for each of these disorders.
  2. Describe symptoms and treatment of shock; of fainting; of convulsions in children.
  3. Describe the treatment of all disturbances of the digestive tract mentioned in this book.
  4. What should be done if a foreign body has entered the eye? if one has entered the ear? What should be done for a person who has a stye? for a person with pain in or near the ear?
  5. How would you treat a sprain?
  6. Describe treatment for burns and scalds.
  7. Distinguish between heat stroke and heat prostration, and tell what treatment should be given in each case.
  8. What are the two principal dangers from slight wounds, and how should one guard against them? Show how you would dress a small cut.
  9. What should you do for a person with nose bleed?

FOR FURTHER READING

CHAPTER XIV
SPECIAL POINTS IN THE CARE OF CHILDREN, CONVALESCENTS, CHRONICS, AND THE AGED

In many cases of sickness institutional care has marked advantages. It may be the only solution when adequate provision for the sick is impossible at home; and it is often a necessity when a patient requires special equipment or apparatus, expert nursing, and medical attention within reach both day and night.