The free use of soft soap upon a fresh burn will remove the fire from the flesh in a very little time, in 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 an hour. If the burn be severe, after relief from the burn, use linseed oil and then sift upon it wheat flour. When this is dried repeat the oil and flour until a complete covering is formed. Let this dry until it falls off, and a new skin will be formed without a scar.
In burns with lime, soap lye, or any caustic alkali, wash abundantly with water (do not rub), and then with weak vinegar or water containing a little sulphuric acid; finally apply oil, paste or mixture as in ordinary burns.
It would be well to always keep ready mixed an ointment for burns; in fact a previous readiness for an accident robs it of half its ill effects.
Glue Burn Mixture.
A method in use in the N. Y. City Hospital known as the “glue burn mixture” is composed as follows: “71⁄2 Troy oz. white glue, 16 fluid oz. water, 1 fluid oz. glycerine, 2 fluid drachms carbolic acid. Soak the glue in the water until it is soft, then heat on a water bath until melted; add the glycerine and carbolic acid and continue heating until, in the intervals of stirring, a glossy strong skin begins to form over the surface. Pour the mass into small jars, cover with parafine papers and tin foil before the lid of the jar is put on and afterwards protect by paper pasted round the edge of the lid. In this manner the mixture may be preserved indefinitely.
“When wanted for use, heat in a water bath and apply with a flat brush over the burned part.”
Insensibility from Smoke.—To recover a person from this dash cold water in the face, or cold and hot water alternately. Should this fail turn the patient on his face with the arms folded under his forehead; apply pressure along the back and ribs and turn the body gradually on the side; then again slowly on the face, repeating the pressure on the back: continue the alternate rolling movements about sixteen times a minute until breathing is restored. A warm bath will complete the cure.
Heat-stroke or Sun-stroke.—The worst cases occur where the sun’s rays never penetrate and are caused by the extreme heat of close and confined rooms, overheated workshops, boiler-rooms, etc. The symptoms are: 1, a sudden loss of consciousness; 2, heavy breathing; 3, great heat of the skin; and 4, a marked absence of sweat.