HOW TO TREAT A BRUISE OR SPRAIN A bruise is a wound under the skin and is usually caused by blows, falls, squeezes, or pinches. Bruises are often referred to as black-and-blue spots. The part affected swells, then changes color, at first red, then blue, fading out to a greenish brown, and, lastly, to a dirty .yellow. Severe cases may be accompanied by symp toms of shock. Where the case is severe, treatment should be admin istered by a physician.
The best treatment, in my judg ment, is the application of hot water to the parts. While it is true that very cold and _hot water act pretty much the same, yet my experience in the treatment of bruises has led me to have greater faith in hot water. It relieves the soreness, contracts the blood vessels, assists in carrying off the collected venous blood, and di minishes the inflammation.
Just a word about the proper way to apply the hot water. Most per sons, as a rule, apply a towel wrung out in hot water; when it cools, they remove it, leaving the part exposed while they are renewing the towel. This is not the most effective way, as the wound is chilled between appli cations.
The way to get the best results is to have two or three towels in service. While one is applied to the wound, the other is made ready; the removal of the one being followed immedi ately by the application of the other. In this way the hot water is kept on the bruised parts continuously, giv ing the best results.
The next step is absolute rest. The
part should be bandaged in such a way that it is kept absolutely quiet. Frequent bathing with tincture of arnica, camphor, and witch-hazel will assist in reducing the swelling and in promoting absorption.
Where the bruise involves a large area, or has been severe, the softer tissues may be seriously involved, and in such cases surgical interfer ence is necessary.
The above treatment pertains to the bruise with which we have to deal most 4requently. The same treat ment is applicable in most cases of sprain, except that bandaging occu pies a more important place. The foot should be immersed in a bucket of hot water and more hot water added from time to time, so that it can be kept as hot as can be borne for fifteen or twenty minutes, after which a firm bandage should be ap plied and the foot elevated.
In sprains of the wrist, a straight piece of wood should be used as a splint, covered with cotton or wool to make it soft, and lightly bandaged and the arm carried in a sling.
Treat as other wounds. Do not probe for the bullet. Usually there is considerable shock accompanying the accident. In severe cases apply warm blankets. and heat to the ex tremities and spine by means of hot irons or hot bottles. Hot drinks should be given. It seems needless to suggest that a surgeon should be sent for immediately.