STAKED WOUNDS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 35, 18 March 1914, Page 11

STAKED WOUNDS.

In the case ; of wounds caused by "staking," it is essential that the bottom of ,ths wound should be thoroughly cleansed, for if any foreign matter remains trouble is bound to occur. By means of a syringe a plentiful supply of disinfectant, such as 2oz of washing soda in a gallon of water, or a 2 per cent solution of some coal tar disinfectant or Condy's fluid, shouldbef orced into the wound. Absorbent wool or gauze "should then be worked into the bottom of the wound by means of a piece of clean wire, which has been disinfected by heating intil nearly red hot. This wool should be removed each day and replaced. "with a fresh lot. The wound must be allowed to heal from the bottom; upwards, and not from the top. Sometimes 1 pouching of the skin follows the. healing process, and where this occurs it is necessary to make a hole at the lower end of this pouch in order to keep it drained. A piece of tape passed through the lower end will serve the purpose. The tape should be dressed daily with a little turpentine. Where the foot has been bruised and cut by a stake or stone generally the wound is larger in the interior than on the outside, and it is necessary to prevent the outside closing up until complete healing has taken place, otherwise there is great danger of tetanus or lockjaw. Open out the entrance of the wound, to allow of discharge, and plug the opening with wool or tow dressed with Stockholm tar. The wound itself should be dressed with a volatile antiseptic, such as turps, benzine, or petrol, and not with a heavy oU substance, and may be plugged with wool or tow soaked in benzine patrol.