Punctured, stab-wounds, when made by a pointed instrument.

Treatment.—­There may be pain, gaping (opening) of the edges and bleeding.  In order to gape, the cut must pass through the deep skin.  Cuts or wounds that do not go deep leave little or no scar.  Such require only a little antiseptic dressing like this remedy: 

“Boric Acid      1/2 ounce. 
Boiled Water       1 pint.”

Wash the cut thoroughly and cover with gauze or clean linen.  Cuts or wounds should always be washed first with boiled water, cooled enough to use.  Do this with absolutely clean muslin, absorbent cotton or gauze and boiled water.  After being thoroughly cleansed and washed with hot water and cloths, a thick pad of muslin, absorbent cotton or gauze thoroughly soaked with the boric acid solution, (strength one-half ounce of boric acid to a pint of boiled water) should be applied on the wound, and for an inch or two around it.  Over this lay a thick layer of absorbent cotton or muslin, bandage all securely with a bandage or adhesive strap, so the dressing cannot slip.

[Illustration:  Hand Arteries.]

Gaping Wounds generally need stitches.  These should be put in deep enough to draw the deep edges together.  If that is not done, a pocket will be left where the parts are not together and “matter” may form there.  Plaster will not draw the deeper parts of wounds together.  They should then be covered the same way as superficial wounds; of course the wound should be thoroughly cleansed in the same way before the stitches are put in.  Such wounds unless they are large, need not be dressed for a day or two, unless there is soreness or pain.  If the wound is sore and throbs it should be redressed immediately.  Some discharge will no doubt he found penned in, and needs a drain through which to escape.  This does not usually happen, and if it does, the wound was infected (poisoned) and then needs dressing once or twice a day, and full vent given to any discharge that may be present.  The dressing immediately over the wound should then be thick and soft so as to absorb the discharge that may be present.  The stitches are usually removed in small wounds the third or fourth day.  This is easily done, with a sharp pointed scissors or knife; put one point underneath the stitch next to the knot, cut it off and with the forceps take hold of the knot and pull it out gently.  It comes away easily as a rule.

[Accidents and poisons 393]

Torn Wounds should be trimmed.  That is, cut away the torn pieces and then stitch together as for other wounds.  Of course all the tissue possible should be saved and only ragged flesh should be cut away.  This would die anyway, and prove a foreign body, and would be very apt to cause pus.  These wounds should be dressed the same way as previously directed.