STINGS.
The pain caused by wasp and bee stings may be effectually and promptly relieved by the application of liquid Ammonia, if applied immediately after the sting has been received. Sal Volatile answers the same purpose, but acts less rapidly. Where the sting is left in it should be extracted by forceps, and to the coarse skin of the palms of the hands or soles of the feet the strong Liquor may be applied. Alkaline Carbonates may be employed in the absence of Ammonia. Thus a strong solution of Car bonate or Bicarbonate of Soda or Potash may be tried. Chloroform or strong Oil of Peppermint gives relief, and a little pure Carbolic Acid may be applied on the end of a match to the puncture. In the absence of Ammonia, an excellent remedy is Indigo used in the form of the domestic " Blue Bag." Ammonia may increase the irritation if erythema and swelling have already appeared. In such cases a poultice with some Alkaline solution as Lime Water, sprinkled over its surface, should he applied.
Peppermint Oil relieves the pain and irritation of mosquito bites, and Pennyroyal Oil or Tincture of Pyrethrum is used both as a remedy and preventive. Camphor, Oil of Cloves, Oil of Cinnamon, and Oils of
Rosemary, Eucalyptus or Cajuput act in the same way as preventives. Poultices of Ipecacuanha and Mint Leaves relieve mosquito bites. Scorpion stings are also successfully treated by Ammonia and Chloroform, Alum and Carbolic Acid.
Where sudden collapse follows the stings of bees, wasps or scorpions, Ammonia and Itrandy or Whiskey internally may be urgently required. Spider bites arc best treated by Carbolic Acid and sometimes a small incision to permit the entrance of the Acid into the immediate region of infection. A ligature round the limb if applied at once in the absence of remedies will give time for the destruction of the poison by sucking, washing, or cauterising the spot in cases where a severe or dangerous result might he anticipated. Muller's method of injecting Strychnine hypoder mically in tarantula and venomous bites gives good results; gr. may be injected every hour for 3 times. (See also Snake Bites.)