Lime water sometimes operates in the same way.
Red precipitate, mixed with its weight of powdered opium, and half its weight of camphor, may be usefully sprinkled over the surface.
A pound of the recent leaves of hemlock, boiled for half an hour in two pounds of milk, and then expressed, forms an application which sometimes abates the pain, and renders the action more healthy. The juice is to be made into a poultice with crumb of bread.
Decoction of the walnut tree leaves, applied by means of pledgets of linen, or made into a poultice with bran, is occasionally of service.
When, by any of these applications, the morbid state of the ulcer is removed, it is to be dressed according to the genus into which it is then converted.
After these remarks, the treatment of this genus of ulcers may be comprised in the following observations:
First, In the first variety of the first species, or the simple fungous ulcer, the cure is to be attempted by pressure, and gentle stimulants, which render the action more natural, and the granulations, in consequence, more perfect and compact.
Second, In the second variety of this species, we are to employ the same remedies, as palliatives, or as means which may promote the exfoliation of the bone. But, if the disease in the bone be more extensive and tedious, we must cut down through the ulcer, and apply caustic, or mechanical cures, such as perforation, to the caries.
Third, In the incipient stage of the first variety of the second species, we must avoid motion, and all other such causes as tend simply to increase action. When the disease has consisted of one short paroxysm, which has terminated, we must promote the absorption of the diseased granulations, and the process of replacing them with others which are more perfect, which is effected by such remedies as render the action which forms them more natural. This is best done by gentle pressure, and sometimes by poultices. If, however, the paroxysm continue longer, but in a moderate degree, we must use such applications as tend more directly to change the action, and diminish the morbid condition; such as camphorated and opiated preparations, and sometimes the vegetable acids.
Fourth, When this state becomes confirmed and progressive, the action being violent, we must use remedies nearly similar to those which are employed in the last case, and which are useful in the cure of the inflammatio debilis, at the same time that we enjoin rest, and keep the part as easy as possible. In some instances, the action cannot be overcome directly by any application, but is rather increased by them. In this case, we must lay these aside, and use mild and light applications; such as fine oil, fresh cream, &c.; at the same time that we avoid the general causes tending to increase action; such as motion, heat, spirits, &c.