A handbook of local therapeutics / edited by Harrison Allen.

Date:
1893
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A handbook of local therapeutics / edited by Harrison Allen. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    77/554 (page 65)
    tannic acid, and touching with nitric acid will always prove a reliable means of dealing with these affections. In Gonorrhoea in the female, after a thorough cleansing with a solution of either alum or tannin, the vagina should be packed with lint dusted over with powdered tannic acid. An important feature in this treatment is the separation of the vaginal walls. In specific Urethritis in the female, bougies covered with tannic acid are, according to Dr. Hicks, one of the most efficient means of treatment. The best method of preparation is to take a medium-sized gum catheter, moisten it with mucilage of acacia, place it in powdered tannin, and allow it to dry; after which it may be used by inserting it, and allowing it to remain while the tannin is slowly dissolved by the secretions. In the same manner it may be applied to the male urethra or prostate. Chronic Vaginitis of children is often greatly benefited by the application of tannate of glycerin. Tannate of glycerin is a useful application in cases of Erosion on the Cervix Uteri, and also in cases of Chronic Cervical Endometritis. Tannic acid, one grain to the ounce of water, has been used with advantage in cases of Cystitis accom- panied by abundant mucous discharge. Diseases of the Skin.—Tannic acid is employed in the local treatment of skin diseases when an astringent effect is desired. In Seborrhcea Capitis, Morrow recommends the following prepara- tion :—R. Acid, tannic, ; Glycerini, f3j; Vaselini, ^ij; Ung. aquae rosse, §j. M. In Hyperidrosis of the feet, a drachm or more of finely powdered tannic acid to the ounce of lycopodium or fuller's earth forms an efficient dusting application. Dissolved in collodion, as in Richardson's styptic colloid, tannic acid forms an admirable application in Condylomata, in Pernio and in some cases of Erysipelas. Diseases of the Ear, Throat and Nose.—As a result of experi- ments upon the trachea of living animals, by J. Rossbach (^Berliner Wochenschrift, 1882), the effect of tannic acid was found to be similar to that of alum. Under its influence the membrane became pale ; the epi- thelial covering instead of being colorless and transparent, as is normal, assumes a peculiar bluish white or whitish appearance. The underlying vessels were distinctly less red than in the normal state, but whether they are narrowed or widened could not be demonstrated. The secretion appeared to be lessened. The epithelial covering became dry and glis- tening. In the treatment of diseases of the ear, tannic acid is but little used. In Chronic Perichondritis of the auricle, a preparation of tincture of iodine one part and tincture of galls two parts, may be freely painted 5