BLISTER

is a collection of fluid under the superficial skin. Its causes, which aro numerous, include pre ure, heat, chemical irritants and certain diseases, » OB» chicken pox and shingles. ‘lo raise a blister cantharides is used either in the form of a plaster or fluid. The skin should first be washed, and if fluid is to be used the surrounding skin should be protected by ointment. The fluid is then painted on and covered by cotton wool secured by strapping. If a plaster be used this is loosely strapped on. After an hour the blistering plaster or fluid should be removed and @ poultice applied if the blister has not risen. After a blister has risen, whether its origin be due to accident or design, it should be snipped with clean sci ors, the fluid dried by cotton woo! and boracic ointment applied on lincn. Blisters should not be applied over bony prominences or acutely inflamed skin, and are not used as often as formerly, except in the treatment of chronic inflammation of tho joints. Flying blisters are those in which the plasters are removed as soon as redne has been produced. [s. 337]