CURE OF WHITLOW,

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 231, 4 July 1872, Page 8

CURE OF WHITLOW,

The following appears as a letter in an Australian contemporary : — I think 1 can give you a prescription, and an inexpensive one for tho cure of Avhitlows or any kind of external in flam-, mation. This remedy, if properly prepared, Avould", I believe, keep good for a century, and might be ready at hand to apply at any time. I have never found any other application so beneficial, I Avas laid by eleven weeks Avith one, "out of Avhich a bone fiveeights of an inch came, and another seven weeks out of which another such bone came. The pain I suffered Avith them is indiscribable. I had several others of iess virulence and duration ; out of* which small scales of bone came. The last which I suffered from Avas lanced tbreotime&. Thelnstlancing relieved me, but it is a dreadful remedy. It is about thirteen years since I have been in possession of myromedy, before which I was scarcely a year Avithout one of these dreadful Avhitlows. But since I haA'e had it I have never had one come to a head, though I felt tbe first symptoms many times, at which I have applied the plaster, Avhieh has invariably given me speedy relief. The first symptoms of one of these virulent whitlows is a stinging in the top of the finger or thumb, like what is produced by a prickle or splinter, but nothing visible. After this the pain will increase, and a swelling Avill commence, which Avill soon be followed by a throbbing. As soon as these symptoms are felt apply the plaster, and a cure.AA'ill soon be effected.* The prescription is as folloAvs : — Take a pint of salad oil, and hiflf a pound of red lead in powder.' Beat them Avell together, set them over a slow fire and keep stirring. Let them simmer or boil sloAvly till the composition is turned a light brown ; then take it off the fire, and add two ounces of rosin, and two, ounces of beeswux. Keep stirring until they are Avell mixed, and when nearly cbld it may be formed into rolls, or other convenient pieces for use, which should be made into plasters as required. A plaster may remain on several days, unless thrown off by the matter, which will never be the case unless the disease be advanced too far to be put back before the plaster be applied. Be particular as to the quantity of the articles; and be careful in boiling. If it be boiled too long or too strongly, it will turn it to a very dark colour, and much deteriorate its quality.