The oleates in cutaneous diseases / by Henry W. Stelwagon.

  • Stelwagon, Henry W. (Henry Weightman), 1853-1919.
Date:
[1884]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The oleates in cutaneous diseases / by Henry W. Stelwagon. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    » Oleate of Iron.—In color, reddish-brown, of plastic consistence, and having a ferruginous and oily odor; making with petroleum ben- zin a clear reddish solution. Applied to the sound skin it has very little, if any, action. To ulcerated, denuded or discharging surfaces, it has an astringent and stimulating effect. It may be used pure, or better with an equal part of lard or cosmoline. It has been suggested that this oleate be used to impress the general system, in cases in which the internal administration of iron preparations is contra-indicated. To say the least, this action is highly problematical; and even if suf¬ ficient iron were absorbed, its color would prove a serious inconven¬ ience to its use for inunction. As yet the utility of this oleate remains to be demonstrated. Oleate of Lead.—Yellowish-white in color, much resembling lead plaster, but somewhat harder and more brittle. A good ointment is made by melting with an equal part of oleic acid, vaseline, or lard ; as such it makes an excellent substitute for Hebra’s litharge ointment, and will keep for an indefinite time. It is protective, astringent, and sedative, and may be prescribed whenever such an ointment is called for. In acute and subacute eczema its use is followed at times by rapid improvement. In the more chronic and sluggish forms of the disease, a proportion of oleate of mercury may be added to advantage. In order to secure a rapid and positive effect, the ointment of lead oleate should be kept constantly applied as a plaster, changing twice daily. In abrasions, erysipelas, and similar inflammations, the oleate ointment exerts a prompt and beneficial effect, reducing the inflam¬ mation and relieving pain and irritation. In dermatitis venenata an ointment of the oleate, such as mentioned, allays the intense burning, and frequently affords relief. In that troublesome affection of eczema of the nares, where light Assuring and pustulation take place, it will occasionally be found useful. In sycosis non-parasitica, the following formula will often prove of advantage : R. Zinci oleatis, Bismuthi oleatis aa gj. Plumbi oleatis, 3 ij. Adipis, 5 iv. Ft. ugt. This is to be applied to the parts twice daily, after thorough cleans¬ ing with warm water. In eczema about the anus, this oleate ointment sometimes gives