The hot pack.—­This is given in the same manner except that the patient is wrapped first in a blanket wrung out of boiling water.  More covering is put over the patient than in a cold pack, and something cold is applied to the head.

EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS.

General and Local.—­For dry heat, for warmth alone, hot bags, bottles and cans are used.  Hot flannels are sometimes used for inflamed joints.  Make the flannel very hot, wrap in heated paper or cloth and apply quickly; cover all with a layer of cotton, wool and oiled muslin.

For neuralgia and earache, salt bags are used.

Fill flannel bags with salt, heat as hot as can be borne, and cover it so as to retain the heat after it is applied to the ear.

For moist heat.—­This is more penetrating and has a more pronounced effect than dry heat.  It also hastens suppuration when it cannot be prevented in acute inflammation like quinsy, etc.

For local pains, fomentations, stupes and poultices are used.  Poultices are best for deep-seated pain or continuous inflammation.

[632 Mothers’ remedies]

Linseed meal poultice.—­Stir the meal slowly and evenly in boiling water; boil this mixture for several minutes and stir briskly all the time, and when thick enough it is well beaten with a spoon to remove lumps.  If this is properly done it will be a light smooth paste, just stiff enough to drop away from the spoon.  Use a muslin or coarse cloth and spread the poultice on this to the depth of one-half inch, leaving one inch space to turn in.  Put vaselin over the surface, thin, and cover with a thin layer of gauze or thin cloth.  Turn the edges over and roll in a towel to keep it warm and carry to patient.  Keep them warm,—­one should never be removed until another is ready to be put on.  The skin should always be wiped dry before another is applied.  Oiling the poultice prevents irritation of the skin and pimples.  Cover the poultice loosely if possible with a layer of cotton-wool and oiled muslin to retain the heat and moisture longer.  It should be changed every three hours at least.  Apply hot and never keep on when it is cold.  It should never be used a second time.

Starch Poultice.—­This is used in skin diseases for its soothing properties.  Mix the starch first with a little cold water and then add enough boiling water to make a thick paste, which is then spread on muslin covered with a layer of gauze.

The Jacket Poultice.  For lung affections.—­Two layers of thin muslin are shaped so as to fit closely around the neck and under the arms and come over the chest and back, low enough to cover the lungs.  Three sides are now closed, and the prepared linseed is poured into the bag and regularly distributed.  Close the open end and then apply.  Cover it with wool and oiled silk and keep in place with safety pins or tapes which are tied under the arms and over the shoulders.  When changing the poultice be careful not to expose the patient.  A cotton-wool jacket should be worn a few days after the poultice has been discontinued.