CAUS′TIC

Syn. Caus′ticum , Escharot′i-cum , L. A substance that corrodes or destroys the texture of organised bodies. This action is popularly termed “burning.” The principal caustics are nitrate of silver, caustic pota a, a mixture of caustic pota a and quick-lime, sulphate of copper, red oxide of mercury, verdigris, tincture of sesquichloride of iron, chloride of zinc, chloride of antimony, nitric acid, acetic acid, and carbolic acid. Use. Caustics are employed to remove excrescences, morbid growths, granulations, ., as corns, warts, and proud flesh; and to open i ues, absce es, . The first, second, and fourth are applied by gently rubbing them on the part previously moistened with water; the third is commonly made into a paste, with rectified spirit or glycerin, before application; red oxide of mercury and verdigris (in the form of powder) are often sprinkled over foul and indolent ulcers; whilst the acids and other liquid caustics are applied with a feather, camel-hair pencil, or gla rod. The same applies to the liquid preparations below. In all cases care should be taken to confine the application to the affected part.