Where There Is No Doctor 2010

370
Where There Is No Doctor 2010
Green Pages
Povidone iodine (Betadine)
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For treatment of bacterial infections of the
vagina.
Mix 2 tablespoons of povidone iodine in a liter
of warm water that has been boiled. As shown on
page 241, give 1 douche a day for 10 to 14 days.
FOR SKIN PROBLEMS
Washing the hands and bathing frequently with
soap and water help prevent many infections,
both of the skin and of the gut. Wounds should be
carefully washed with soap and boiled water before
closing or bandaging.
Frequent scrubbing with soap and water is
often the only treatment necessary for dandruff,
seborrhea (cradle cap), pimples, mild impetigo, as
well as for minor ringworm, tinea, and other fungus
infections of the skin or scalp. This works better if
the soap has in it an antiseptic such as povidone
iodine (Betadine). But Betadine can be irritating
to tissue and should not be used on open skin.
Shampoos with selenium sulfide or ketoconazole
are also useful for dandruff.
Sulfur
Often comes as a yellow powder.
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Also comes in many skin lotions and ointments.
Sulfur is useful for many skin problems:
1. To avoid or discourage ticks, mites, chiggers,
jiggers, and fleas. Before going into fields or
forests where these are common, dust the
skin—especially legs or ankles, wrists, waist,
and neck—with sulfur.
2. To help treat scabies, burrowing fleas, mites,
and tiny ticks in or on the skin. Make an
ointment: Mix 1 part of sulfur with 10 parts of
petrolatum (Vaseline) or lard, and smear this on
the skin (see p. 200).
3. For ringworm, tinea, and other fungus infections,
use the same ointment, 3 or 4 times a day, or a
lotion of sulfur and vinegar (see p. 205).
4. For cradle cap (seborrhea) and severe dandruff,
the same ointment can be used, or the scalp
can be dusted with sulfur.
Gentian violet (crystal violet)
Often comes as dark blue crystals.
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Gentian violet helps fight certain skin infections,
including impetigo and sores with pus. It can
also be used to treat yeast infections (Candida,
moniliasis) in the mouth (thrush) or in the vulva or
skin folds.
Dissolve a teaspoon of gentian violet in half a
liter of water. This makes a 2 percent solution. Paint
it on the skin or in the mouth or the vulva.
Antibiotic ointments
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These are expensive and often do no more good
than gentian violet. However, they do not color the
skin or clothes and are of use in treating minor skin
infections like impetigo. A good ointment is one that
contains a neomycin/ polymyxin combination (for
example Neosporin or Polysporin). An ointment of
tetracycline can also be used.
Cortico-steroid ointments or lotions
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These can be used for ‘weeping’ or severely
itchy skin irritations caused by insect bites, by
touching certain ‘poisonous’ plants, and other
things. They are also useful in treating severe
eczema (see p. 216) and psoriasis (p. 216). Use
3 or 4 times a day. Avoid using for long periods of
time, or on large areas of skin.
Petroleum jelly (petrolatum, Vaseline)
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Useful for preparing ointments or dressings in
the treatment of: scabies (see p. 199 and 372),
ringworm (p. 371), itching from pinworm (p. 141),
burns (p. 96 and 97), chest wounds (p. 91).