There are a few diseases of the nails that can hardly be classified, yet are of sufficient importance to demand a passing notice; and we know of no more suitable place than the present one to take them up. The first of which we will make mention is the very uncomfortable condition known as:
Ingrowing Toe – Nails.
This affection is too well known to need any description, and we will simply give two methods of treatment that have been very successfully used in out practice. The first is known as the liquor ferri sesquichlor. treatment, and the method of using, as follows:
After disinfecting the wound with corrosive mercury apply a few drops of the liquor ferri sesquichlor., after lifting the nail somewhat. Allow this to dry. On the second and third days, the same process is repeated. Then will delicate forceps try to remove the hard crust that has formed. The slight bleeding that ensues is immediately stopped by a fresh application of the liquor. In a few days more the same process of ablation is again practiced. After a few applications, thus carried out, the nail rots so that it can be removed with the aid of the scissors or a dull knife without causing any pain. To prevent relapses, it is well to insert fine layers of cork under the edges of the new nail as it grows forward.
The second plan of treatment is preferable in some cases. After cleaning the disease nail in a soap-bath and having dried it thoroughly, the whole nail is smoothly enveloped with tin- foil. A thin strip of tin-foil is pressed in on the side where the nail has grown in, or tries to grow in. These strips are kept in their place by a thin layer of yellow wax, so that in all place where the nail touches the flesh some tin-foil lies between them. Tin-foil acts not only mechanically, but the constant contact of these moist and granulating spots with the metallic foil dries up the affected places in a few weeks and causes a more healthy state in the morbid nail. It is a great gain for laboring people that they are thus able to follow their usual avocations, and it is only necessary to renew the dressing three times during the first two weeks. The feet must not be bathed during that time, but may be cleansed with dry wheat bran.
Paronychia.
Paronychia is an inflammation, situated around and beneath the nail, terminating in suppuration.
In attacks mostly the thumb and fingers, and makes its appearance as a dusky-red, extremely painful border, either completely or partially surrounding the nail. In a few days the pain becomes throbbing in character and pus forms, attended at times by more or less constitutional disturbance.
Treatment.- Locally, the pith of common bullrush has been used with good results. Natrum sulph is the principal internal remedy.
Paronychia may sometimes be aborted by the following simple treatment: Take a handful of fresh wood-ashes; pour upon it a quarter of a litre of boiling water, so as to get a strong lye. As soon as the patient feels the characteristic pains of the paronychia, with hammering and throbbing, the hand should be put in the hot lye, after which it is covered with compresses soaked in the solution. It may be necessary to repeat the procedure once or twice.
A very annoying condition, especially when occurring in young women, is ” red hands.” An excellent ointment for this condition is the following:
Rx. Lanolin, 100 grms.
Paraffin, liquid, 25 grms.
Vanillin, 0.01 grms.
Ol. rosae, gtt.j.
M. Sig.: Apply a thin coating of this ointment to the hands at bed time.
