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.

    6/10 (page 6)
    * relief. Vesicular eczema of the hands may often be rapidly relieved in the following manner: The parts are to be soaked in hot water for ten minutes, carefully dried with a soft towel, and then are to be cov¬ ered with pieces of muslin thickly spread with the ointment. The ap¬ plication is to be renewed morning and evening ; at each renewal the loose scales, crusts, and epiderm are to be gently rubbed off; no force should be employed, otherwise more harm than good will result. Treatment is to be continued for several days, at the end of which time the hands will be vastly improved. So much accomplished, a small quantity of calomel may be added to the ointment, and instead of applying it in the form of a plaster as before, it should be gently rubbed in two or three times a day. It is well to remark that although the disease is quickly brought into a favorable condition by the plan of treatment just mapped out, the progress thereafter is not so rapid. Oleate of Mercury.—In color, yellowish, somewhat adhesive, and of the consistence of ointment, with an oily odor. If pure, di¬ aphanous and of a yellow color, but generally found of a grayish or greenish hue, showing the separation of mercurous oxide and metallic mercury, which will be found at the bottom of the vessel containing it. Applied to the sound skin, this oleate produces more or less redness and irritation, and if its use is continued, may cause a dermatitis. It is rarely prescribed in full strength, but usually one part to from one to three parts of oleic acid or lard. One part of this oleate to two parts of oleic acid will give a preparation about similar in strength to the so-called ten per cent, oleate. Of all the oleates, this is not only the most important, but one that has been longest in use. It has its principal field in the treatment of syphilis by inunction, and when employed for such purpose is efficient and cleanly, com¬ pletely supplanting the old method of inunction by blue ointment. For this purpose, the oleate should be diluted with oleic acid, lard, or a combination of the two. A prescription made up as follows will answer admirably: R. Hydrargyri oleatis, 3 iij. Acidi oleici, 3 ij. Cerati simplicis, 3 iij- Ft. ugt. - A portion of this ointment of the size of the terminal joint of the forefinger suffices for an inunction. For each application a new sur-