SOME USEFUL ANTISEPTICS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 572, 26 January 1929, Page 23

SOME USEFUL ANTISEPTICS

Minor mishaps are bound to happen in the kitchen and among the children from time to time, and for that reason simple antiseptics and a knowledge of how to use them should be found in every home. A clean wound Is less liable to serious developments than a dirty one, and for safe cleansing there is nothing so effective as peroxide of hydrogen. It is perfectly safe, even in the most inexperienced hands. It is non-poisonous and effective, particularly in the case of wounds from which there is a discharge. It should be diluted with water, and if the directions for this are not found upon the bottle ask the chemis, as it is sold at varying strengths. If your finger has a gathering, use it. If you have an ulcerated sore throat, make it into a gargle. If you have an ulcerated mouth, it is a splendid mouth-wash. Boracic powder is another antiseptic which no house should be without. This should be dusted dry upon a wound that is already healing. If the wound is freshly made and dirty, the boracic should be dissolved in previously boiled water. The action, however, is much milder than that of peroxide of hydrogen, and so one’s own cretlon should be exercised as to which is the better antiseptic to use. Always remember when dressing a hurt that anything which comes into contact with it should be sterilised. Scissors, probes, needles are easily rendered sterile either by boiling them In an absolutely clean utensil, or by holding them in the flame of a small methylated spirit lamp, which is sold specially for this purpose.