Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 November 1883 — The Seda Remedy. [ARTICLE]

The Seda Remedy.

It is now many years ago that the author, while engaged in some investigations as to the qualities and effects of the alkalies in inflammations of the skin, was fortunate enough to discover that a saline lotion or saturated solution of bicarbonated soda in either plain water or camphorated water, if applied speedily, or as soon as possible, to a burn or scalded part, was most effectual in immediately relieving the acute burning pain; and when the bum was only superficial or not very severe, removing all pain in a very short time; having also the very great advantage of cleanliness, and, if applied at once, of preventing the usual consequences—a painful blistering of the skin, separation of the epidermis, and, perhaps, more or less suppuration. For this purpose all that is necessary is to cut a piece of lint, or old soft rag, or even thick blotting paper, of a size sufficient to cover the burned or scalded parts, and to keep constantly well wet with the sodaic lotion so as to prevent its drying. By this means it usually happens that all pain ceases in from a quarter to half an hour, or even in much less time. When the main part of a limb, such as the hand and forearm or the foot and leg, has been burned it is best, when practicable, to plunge the part at once into a jug or pail, or other convenient vessel filled with the soda lotion, and keep it there until the pain subsides; or the limb may be swathed or encircled with a surgeon’s cotton bandage previouslv soaked in the saturated solution, and kept constantly wet with* it, the result being usually immediate, provided the solution be saturated and cold. What is now usually sold as bicarbonate of soda is what I have commonly used and recommended, although this is well known to vary much in quality according to where it is manufactured; but it will be found to answer the purpose, although prob-" ably Howard’s is most to be depended on, the common carbon being too caustic. It is believed that a large proportion of medical practitioners are still unaware of the remarkable qualities of this easily applied remedy, which recommends itself for obvious reasons. —Popular Science Monthly.