At the outset the water, whether employed with douche or enema, should contain some disinfecting or antiseptic solution, such as Lysol, 2 table-spoonfuls to a ewerful of water, or car bolic acid in the same proportions, or a table spoonful of boracic acid. Later an astringent substance, such as sulphate of zinc, alum, or iron-alum may be added to the water, about 20 grains of either to the jugful of water. As a rule, however, the hot antiseptic douche, if properly given, will do all that an astringent injection could do.
Care should be taken in the keeping of the douche or enema. It should never be tossed carelessly aside into any box or drawer. It is too apt in this way to become so soiled as to become itself a source of mischief when used. It can be well kept in the large ewer or bed room jug, which is used for douching purposes, lying there in a coil, and the mouth of the jug should be covered with a clean cloth secured by an elastic band or a cord. If the jug has been thoroughly scrubbed with soap and water and a brush, as it ought to be, before being used for the douche, then it should be a perfectly clean receptacle for the douche, which it keeps in a manner ready for use. If the douche and jug are to be put away for a time, then the cloth-covered jug may be further protected by stout paper. If a douche is going to be used again, after lying aside for a period, it should be first boiled, as directed on p. 634, any vul
canite parts being first removed, as boiling water softens them and would alter their shape. They should be immersed for some hours in an antiseptic solution.
Ulceration of the Womb is a phrase that strikes terror to the ears of most women. It used to be far too commonly employed, and ie probably still. The condition which it is fre quently used to signify is practically that already described. Owing to chronic swelling, the inner wall of the neck of the womb and its mouth become thickened, prominent, and too freely supplied with blood, but in the vast majority of cases to which the name is given there is no such eating away of the substance of the part as the name would imply.
The treatment, so far as the patient can re sort to it, is such as has been described under inflammation. One other thing she may be able to do, and that is, take a little ball of cotton or lint, soak it in glycerine, and then push it up the passage as far as possible. She must be careful to remove it next day or within two days, and after syringing with warm water may replace it by a fresh one. If it is difficult of removal syringing will readily bring it down. A medical man would employ further treat ment by directly painting the affected part with one or other of a variety of applications.