FIRST AID IN THE HOME.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 August 1930, Page 22 (Supplement)

FIRST AID IN THE HOME.

FOMENTATIONS AND PLASTERS. (By a Woman Doctor,) Fomentations arc means of applying heat to congested or inflamed parts, with the object of dilating the blood vessels, and either causing the swelling to be absorbed or elec “brought to a head.” This way of applying moist heat is most helpful in relieving pain. The general principles for making a fomentation are as follows: — Have ready a basin, a large piece of flannel, a towel, a kettle of boiling water, and two short sticks for wringing. Lay the open towel across the basin, with the flannel (which should be large enough to cover the affected area) on top of it, and pour the boiling water over the flannel until it is thoroughly soaked. Roll the flannel in the towel and twist the ends in opposite directions t? wring out the superfluous water. If the fomentation is a large one, two persons should wring it, and the towel ends should lie wound round the sticks for greater “purchase.” Remove the flannel and place it on the patient as hot as can be borne. On top of this put a piece of mackintosh, a little bigger than the flannel, and over all put a thick bath towel br woollen bandage to keep the whole in place. An infusion of poppy heads—crushed and boiled for' about twenty minutes—or, failing this, a couple of teaspooneful of laudanum may be sprinkled on the flannel, after it has been wrung if a soothing drug is advisable as well as the moist heat. Boric acid fomentations for open wounds can either be made from plain lint dipped in a warm saturated solution of boric acid, or from moistened (pink) boric lint. In cither case, the lint must be covered with a larger piece of jaconet surmounted by cotton wool, and the whole fixed with a bandage. The work of the plaster is to act as a counter-irritant, and the most useful is that made of mustard as prepared for table use. Spread this on a folded handkerchief, or a piece of brown paper, and turn the edges slightly over the mixture. Place a piece of thin gauze or muslin between the mustard and the skin, and keep the plaster on for ten to fifteen minutes. On no account must it be left on long enough to cause blistering. On removal gently rub a little oil or vaseline over the part, and cover it from the air.