A bruise should be treated by bathing with cold water, or the frequent application of wet cloths. The addition of Goulard water, gin, methylated spirits, eau de cologne, or vinegar, to the water, is beneficial.
Sprains.
The affected joint should be raised on pillows, and treated in the manner advised for bruises, but if seen immediately after the injury, firm strapping with adhesive plaster and bandaging of the part is often equally serviceable. If inflammation develops, warm fomentations will be found soothing, leeching may be necessary, and free purgation always has a good effect.
The troublesome stiffness which often remains is relieved by friction and kneading with the hand. To regain the use of the joint, it should be gently moved each day; this movement is less painful if it is performed with the joint in hot water.
Poisoned Wounds from Snakes, Animals, and Arrows, etc.
In cases of poisonous snake-bite, the marks of two fangs will usually be found.
Treatment.—Tie a piece of tape, bandage, or cord a couple of inches above the wound, i.e., between the wound and the body; tie another piece still nearer the body, say three inches from the first. Cut across the wound or wounds to encourage free bleeding.
(If a medical man is present, he may think fit to inject anti-venomous serum as an antidote to snake poison.)
Dissolve as much permanganate of potash as possible in about a teaspoonful of water, stirring well to hasten its solution. Inject about five drops of this underneath the skin, on either side of the cut, by means of a hypodermic syringe. Some of the solution may be injected into the wound itself, or even a crystal of the drug may be pressed into the cut, or part of a crushed tablet of the drug.
It is best to keep a small bottle of the strong solution of permanganate always ready.