Existing comment:
Mustard Gas Treatment
Some gas patients were treated with an application of greases and other fatty emulsions that were sometimes effective in creating a barrier between mustard-burned skin and the air, soothing the pain of the patient. But the greases promoted infection.
A new treatment emerged: the wet Dakin's and saline method effected prompt healing. Dr. Henry Dakin developed a dilute sodium hypochlorite solution to kill bacteria in contact with the human body without harming the delicate tissues.
Although not specific to gas wounds, Dakin's solution was a revolutionary improvement in wound treatment during World War I.
This photograph was taken one week after a 40-minute exposure to a strong concentration of mustard gas vapor. |