Dichloramin-T and Petrolatum Dressing for Burns

Abstract

Dichloramin-T as a wound antiseptic has the very real advantage of furnishing a continuous supply of the antiseptic agent, securing a continuous action over long periods of time, and this with the simplest forms of dressings. A continuous supply of antiseptic is very important in the treatment of infected tissues when it is out of the question to kill all the bacteria at once. The simplest technic is at least an important convenience. On the other hand, dichloramin-T has some material disadvantages. The solutions must be prepared with some care, and must be fairly fresh, or else tested for the presence of available chlorin. The application causes considerable smarting and burning. This, however, disappears promptly, and can generally be tolerated. On repeated application, it is liable to irritate the skin. These disadvantages are rather minor, in most cases. Certain physical limitations are more serious in connection with burns. The large,