4. Boil, Bean Leaf Poultice for.—"Apply snap bean leaves, beat up fine." Bruise the leaves so that they are real fine, and apply to the boil. This acts the same as a poultice.
5. Boil, Another Vinegar Remedy for.—"If taken at first a boil can be cured by dipping the finger in strong vinegar and holding on the boil until it stops smarting. Repeat three or four times then apply a little oil to the head of boil."
[SKIN DISEASES 69]
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Boils.—Tonics such as iron, quinine, and strychnine are good. Elixir, iron, quinine and strychnine from a half to one teaspoonful three times a day is a good tonic for an adult. Sulphide of calcium one-tenth grain four times a day is good. Paint the inflamed spot when it first begins, with a solution of gun cotton (collodion) and renew it every hour until a heavy contractile coating is formed. Poultices, if used, should contain sweet oil and laudanum. Alcohol and camphor applied over the skin in the early stages is recommended by Ringer. This I know is good. Another, wipe the skin and use camphorated oil. When boils occur in the external ear, the canal should be washed out with hot water. If it is ripe it should be opened. The following is good for the pain of a boil:
Iodoform 4 grains
Menthol 2 grains
Vaselin 1 dram
Mix and smear a cotton plug and insert in the ear two or three times a day.
ABSCESS.—An accumulation of pus (matter) in any part of the body.
External Abscess.—Boil the knife, wash your hands in clean, hot, soapy water. Wash the abscess and surrounding parts in hot water and good soap, and rinse off with alcohol, a salt solution, or listerine, etc. Then make a good deep clean cut and scrape out if necessary. Dress with a clean linen gauze or absorbent cotton, Poultices may be used if you are careful. Such an abscess should be dressed twice a day. The inner dressing should be soft and thick enough to absorb all the secretion given out between dressings.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Abscess, Beech Bark Poultice for.—"Poultice made of red beech bark and wheat bran," A poultice made of the bark will cause a drawing feeling, and the wheat bran will retain the heat. The proportions for making the poultice should be about half and half.
2. Abscess, Milk and Salt Poultice for.—"Make a poultice of one cup of hot milk and common salt three teaspoonfuls; salt added gradually so it will not curdle. Cook until smooth and creamy, then add enough flour so it will spread but not be dry. Divide this into four poultices and apply in succession every half hour. This will remove the soreness and it should be kept oiled until healed."