Antiseptic Snuffs

Abstract

Cf. Ibid. p.162. The composition of the snuffs studied, in parts by wt., was as follows; 1. Proflavine Snuff: 5 proflavine, 5 menthol, 90 lycopodium.2Penicillin Snuff: 1 penicillin. 5 menthol, 94 lycopodium.3Sulfathiazole Snuffs: 10 sulfathiazole, 5 menthol, 85 lycopodium; 10 sulfathiazole, 1 menthol, 89 magnesium carbonate; 10 sulfathiazole, 90 magnesium carbonate. Figures show successive blood-agar plates inoculated from the nasal cavity of untreated patients and of patients before and while taking snuff. Proflavine has proved least effective, its bright yellow color stains and is objectionable and it has been discarded. Penicillin seems likely to prove useful. Sulfathiazole with MgCO3 is worth further study. Observations are still based on too few cases and the snuffs are recommended only for prophylactic but not curative treatment. They may be effective in reducing the menace of nasal carriers.