Phosphorus is to be taken internally, and the first dilution put in water, twenty drops to one gill, and applied to the surface by means of cloths wet in the mixture, as hot as it can be borne, and laid over the whole breast. If this is done and the medicine given internally every hour, as early as the first and frequently as late as the second or third day, it is quite sure to remove the disease and prevent an abscess. It is best to use it even much later. In fact it often succeeds as late as the fifth or sixth day, and if it does not prevent the abscess, it so far palliates the severe symptoms as to render the pain but slight and keep the patient comfortable.
An application of the Tincture of Cantharides diluted with water and applied to the breast by cloths wet in it, to the extent of producing considerable redness and even eruptions, and the second dilution of the same taken in drop doses every three hours, has proved successful in subduing the inflammation after Phos. had failed, and it was supposed an abscess would form in spite of any treatment.
I recently succeeded in giving perfect relief with Apis Mel. internally, applying it externally after the pain and swelling was very great. I am of opinion that the Apis is a valuable remedy.
After abscess forms as soon as the pus can be felt at any point, soft and fluctuating under the skin, puncture and let it out, then poultice it for a few days until it heals, giving Phosphorus and applying it to the sore. In puncturing, always be very particular to have the lancet or knife enter so that the edge will look towards the point of the nipple, so as not to cut across the milk ducts, which all run toward that point, and if cut off will close up so that the milk which may be secreted at any future time cannot get out, and swelling, pain and severe inflammation, abscess and ulceration will be the consequence; whereas, if the cut is made lengthwise of the ducts, very few, if any will be cut off, and all future danger will be avoided. Apply an elm poultice from the beginning to the end of treatment. For malignant ulcers of the breasts, the Cornus Sericea is a most potent remedy. It is to be taken internally at the first dilution, and applied in strong infusion or diluted Tr. of the bark to the sore.
Sore Nipples.
This affection of nursing women frequently comes on before the birth of the child, but generally does not make its appearance until after the suckling has continued for a week or more. It seems in some cases to be connected with the aphthæ (sore mouth) of the child, or at least to be aggravated by contact with the sore mouth; on the other hand it sometimes seems as though the sore nipples produced the sore mouth of the child.
TREATMENT.
I treat both the nipple and the child's mouth with the same remedy Eupatorium aro., applied at the strength of 6 drops of the tincture, to a teaspoonful of water, the application being made by a soft cloth, wet and laid over the nipple; give drop doses of the same strength internally every three hours, which will, in nearly all cases effect a cure in one or two days. The child's mouth should be wet with the same each time just before nursing. The oil from the pit of the butter nut, (Juglan's Cinerea,) obtained by heating the pit and pressing out the oil, applied to the nipple, will generally cure it after 3 or 4 applications about six hours apart. The child may take hold when the oil is on, without danger. This remedy is sufficient in nearly all cases.
Leucorrhœa and Prolapsus Uteri—Whites, Female Weakness.
The disease depends in all cases upon inflammation of the uterus, or vagina, or both.