PHYSICIANS' CAUTION for Articular Rheumatism.—Go to bed and remain there and do not get up too soon, for remember the parts are still tender when they may not be painful.
Local Treatment.—1. There must be absolute rest. Remove the sheets from the bed and wrap woolen cloths or blankets about the patient and protect the inflamed joints from the weight of the coverings. Cover the joints with gauze or absorbent cotton, after putting on the parts a thick coating of ichthyol ointment.
2. Sometimes hot fomentations are helpful in relieving the suffering; sometimes cold cloths are best.
3. The following is good. Apply with cloths wrung out of it:
Carbonate of Soda 6 drams
Tincture Arnica 10 ounces
Glycerin 2 ounces
Water 9 ounces
4. Oil of Wintergreen 1 ounce
Compound Soap Liniment 8 ounces
Mix.
Rub the affected parts with oil of wintergreen and then wrap the parts in cotton wool and soak with the solution.
5. "A layer or two of gauze saturated with methyl-salicylate is wrapped around the painful joints and covered with paraffin paper, or other impervious dressing, held in place by a bandage. This is renewed once or twice daily until the pain in all the joints is relieved."
6. Internal.—Sodium salicylate or aspirin given until the pain and temperature are relieved; usually five to ten grains of sodium salicylate every three hours for an adult; or five grains of the aspirin every three hours.