Picric acid has been employed by Cheron as a caustic and antiseptic after curetting the uterus for fungous endo metritis; he used a watery solution (1 to 300). In a weaker watery solution (1 to 1000) it has been used in eczema, erysipelas, lymphangitis, fissured nip ples, and in impetiginous eczema, after removing the crusts with oil.
In all those very troublesome cases of chronic simple diarrhea and so-called putrid diarrhea, with very offensive stools, often when opiates and other as tringents have failed. picric acid in grain doses has given rapid relief. The icteric discoloration is first noticed after from 15 to 20 grains have been given, and it disappears shortly after the use of the drug is discontinued. W. Maclennan (Brit. Med. Jour., Dec. 26, '96).
Acute eczema is rapidly relieved under the influence of picric acid. Applied as a pigment with a brush or piece of ab sorbent wool, even to an extensive sur face, it is quite free from danger, and causes not the slightest pain, however vascular the surface may be. Almost immediately itching and smarting abate, and in a few days, when the protective crust is removed or separates, the under lying skin is found to be comparatively dry, free from redness, and covered with a young epidermis. W. Maclennan (Brit. Med. Jour., Dec. 26, '96).
Generally speaking, picric acid is in dicated in those forms of eczema in which the inflammation is acute and superfi cial, and where the lesions are mostly epidemic. The keratogenic properties of
the agent find an excellent field of action in acute eczemas with the swelling of the integument, superficial ulceration, and weeping. In acute eczema a cure is effected in from ten to fifteen days. A solution of 3 drachms of picric acid in one quart of tepid boiling water is painted over and somewhat beyond the affected surfaces; the parts are then wrapped in lint wrung out of the same solution, and over this is placed a cover ing of cotton-wool. Oiled silk should not be used. The dressing should be re newed every two or three days. Aubert (These de Paris, No. 32, '97).
Striking results obtained in the treat ment of acute eczema and of various forms of artificial dermatitis from picric acid. The affected regions are covered with compresses dipped in a saturated aqueous solution, and enveloped in im permeable tissue. The dressing is changed daily. It possesses no advan tage in chronic eczema. Lercdde (Ann. de Derm. et de Syph., June, '97).
Picric acid has been used in watery solution (15 grains to 1 ounce) as a test for albumin in urine. Though delicate, it is unreliable, as it also precipitates mucin, peptones, and potassium salts. It has also been used for the detection of sugar in urine, but is inferior to other well-known tests.
In pathological and histological work picric acid is used for staining and fix ing specimens. In combination it is also used for the decalcification of bones and teeth.