Where There Is No Doctor 2011 213
GANGRENE (GAS GANGRENE)
This is a very dangerous infection of a wound, in
which a foul-smelling gray or brown liquid forms. The
skin near the wound may have dark blisters and the
flesh may have air bubbles in it. The infection begins
between 6 hours and 3 days after the injury. It quickly
gets worse and spreads fast. Without treatment it causes
death in a few days.
Treatment:
♦ Open up the wound as wide as possible. Wash it out with cool, boiled water
and soap. Clean out the dead and damaged flesh. If possible, flood the
wound with hydrogen peroxide every 2 hours.
♦ Inject penicillin (crystalline if possible), 1,000,000 (a million) units every
3 hours.
♦ Leave the wound uncovered so that air gets to it. Get medical help.
ULCERS OF THE SKIN CAUSED BY POOR CIRCULATION
Skin ulcers, or large, open sores, have many causes (see p. 20). However,
chronic ulcers on the ankles of older persons, especially in
women with varicose veins, usually come from poor circulation.
The blood is not moved fast enough through the legs. Such
ulcers may become very large. The skin around the ulcer is
dark blue, shiny, and very thin. Often the foot is swollen.
Treatment:
♦ These ulcers heal very slowly—and only if great
care is taken. Most important: Keep the foot up
high as often as possible. Sleep with it on pillows.
During the day, rest with the foot up high every
15 or 20 minutes. Walking helps the circulation,
but standing in one place and sitting with the
feet down are harmful.
♦ Put warm compresses of weak salt water on the
ulcer—1 teaspoon salt to a liter of boiled water. Cover
the ulcer loosely with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
Keep it clean.
♦ Support the varicose veins with elastic stockings
or bandages. Continue to use these and to keep the
feet up after the ulcer heals. Take great care not to
scratch or injure the delicate scar.
♦ Treating the ulcers with honey or sugar may help
(see p. 214).
Prevent skin ulcers—care for varicose veins early (see p. 175).