Surface
Where are germs found?
Germs are a part of everyday life. Some of them are helpful, but others are harmful and cause disease. They can be found everywhere - in our air, soil, and water. They are on our skin and in our bodies. Germs are also on the surfaces and objects that we touch.
Sometimes those germs can spread to you and make you sick. For example, there could be germs on a tv remote. You could get infected with the germs if you touch the remote and then rub your eyes or nose or eat with your hands.
How can I avoid getting germs from surfaces and objects?To avoid becoming infected by germs from surfaces and objects, it is important to wash your hands often. But you can't wash your hands every time you touch something. So it's also important to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects.
What is the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting?Some people think that disinfecting is same thing as cleaning or sanitizing. But they are actually different:
- Cleaning removes dirt, dust, crumbs, and germs from surfaces or objects. When you clean, you will likely use soap (or detergent) and water to physically clean off the surfaces and objects. This may not necessarily kill the germs. But since you removed some of them, there are fewer germs that could spread infection to you.
- Disinfecting uses chemicals (disinfectants) to kill germs on surfaces and objects. Some common disinfectants are bleach and alcohol solutions. You usually need to leave the disinfectant on the surfaces and objects for a certain period of time to kill the germs. Disinfecting does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs.
- Sanitizing could be done by either cleaning, disinfecting, or both. Sanitizing means that you are lowering the number of germs to a safe level. What is considered a safe level depends on public health standards or requirements at a workplace, school, etc. For example, there are sanitizing procedures for restaurants and other facilities that prepare food. What you do to sanitize will vary, depending on your needs. You might be mopping a floor using a mop, a chemical, and water. You might use a dishwasher to sanitize the dishes. Or you could be using an antibacterial wipe on a tv remote.
If you both clean and disinfect a surface or object, you can further lower the risk of spreading infection. There are products that clean and disinfect at the same time.
Which surfaces and objects do I need to clean and disinfect?To prevent the spread of infection, you should regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched often. For example, in your house, this would include countertops, doorknobs, faucet and toilet handles, light switches, remotes, and toys.
How can I safely clean and disinfect?It's important to be safe when using cleaning and disinfecting products:
- Store them in the containers they came in. Always follow the instructions and pay attention to the warnings on the label.
- Do not mix cleaners and disinfectants unless the labels say that it is safe to do so. Combining certain products (such as chlorine bleach and ammonia cleaners) can cause serious injury or even death.
- Check the label to see whether you need to use gloves to protect your hands and/or eye protection when using the products
- If you swallow, inhale, or get them on your skin, follow the directions on the label or get medical help
- Store them out of the reach of children
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Surface
ABSINTHIUM (Artemisia absinthium)ARAB3
The flowering tops and leaves of Artemisia Absinthium, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae); Europe, Siberia, Barbary, Newfoundland, and the United... / ...e hot fomentation for sprains, bruises and local inflammations. It should not be applied to abraded surfaces. nternal. Small doses of absinthium stimulate the appetite and give tone to the gastric mem... / ...used for the expulsion of the intestinal parasites-Ascaris vermicularis and Ascaris lumbricoides. The oil may be given in doses of 1 to 5 drops. 1
The flowering tops and leaves of Artemisia Absinthium, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae); Europe, Siberia, Barbary, Newfoundland, and the United... / ...e hot fomentation for sprains, bruises and local inflammations. It should not be applied to abraded surfaces. nternal. Small doses of absinthium stimulate the appetite and give tone to the gastric mem... / ...used for the expulsion of the intestinal parasites-Ascaris vermicularis and Ascaris lumbricoides. The oil may be given in doses of 1 to 5 drops. 1
ACONITUM NEPALLUS
...brum, except that poisonous doses somewhat depress the perceptive faculty. Upon the skin and mucous surfaces it acts first as an irritant, then as an anaesthetic. The mode of elimination of aconite is......tomach. This is rapidly followed by more or less numbness. Gastric warmth and a general glow of the surface follow non-lethal doses. Slight perspiration may be induced, but sweating to any great degre...1
...brum, except that poisonous doses somewhat depress the perceptive faculty. Upon the skin and mucous surfaces it acts first as an irritant, then as an anaesthetic. The mode of elimination of aconite is......tomach. This is rapidly followed by more or less numbness. Gastric warmth and a general glow of the surface follow non-lethal doses. Slight perspiration may be induced, but sweating to any great degre...1
ALLIUM CEPA
The fresh bulb of Allium Cepa, Linné (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Common in cultivation everywhere. Common Name: Onion. Principal Constituent.—A... / ...n poultices are objectionable only when made too heavy, carelessly applied, or when applied to open surfaces. Internal. Onion is stimulant, expectorant, and diuretic. A syrup of onion, prepared by dra... / ...pus, and mucus. The dose is from 5 to 10 drops in water. It is sometimes given with an equal quantity of tincture of Xanthium Strumarium. 1
The fresh bulb of Allium Cepa, Linné (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Common in cultivation everywhere. Common Name: Onion. Principal Constituent.—A... / ...n poultices are objectionable only when made too heavy, carelessly applied, or when applied to open surfaces. Internal. Onion is stimulant, expectorant, and diuretic. A syrup of onion, prepared by dra... / ...pus, and mucus. The dose is from 5 to 10 drops in water. It is sometimes given with an equal quantity of tincture of Xanthium Strumarium. 1
ALOEALOE
The dried juice of the leaves of several species of Aloe: (1) Aloe Perryi, Baker; (2) Aloe vera, Linné; (3) Aloe ferox, Miller. (Nat. Ord.... / ...tives. Sulphate of iron slightly restrains its action and ipecac increases it. Applied to a denuded surface it operates the same as if taken internally, and administered to a nursing mother it purges ...1
The dried juice of the leaves of several species of Aloe: (1) Aloe Perryi, Baker; (2) Aloe vera, Linné; (3) Aloe ferox, Miller. (Nat. Ord.... / ...tives. Sulphate of iron slightly restrains its action and ipecac increases it. Applied to a denuded surface it operates the same as if taken internally, and administered to a nursing mother it purges ...1
ALTHÆA OFFICINALIS
...Althaea. Dose, 1 fluidounce to 4 fluidounces. Therapy. External. A soothing application to inflamed surfaces; and may be used as an injection for dysentery, acute vaginitis, and the acute stage of gon......rnal. An excellent lenitive and demulcent diuretic employed to soothe irritated and inflamed mucous surfaces, in hoarseness, cough due to faucial irritation, gastro-intestinal irritation and inflammat...1
...Althaea. Dose, 1 fluidounce to 4 fluidounces. Therapy. External. A soothing application to inflamed surfaces; and may be used as an injection for dysentery, acute vaginitis, and the acute stage of gon......rnal. An excellent lenitive and demulcent diuretic employed to soothe irritated and inflamed mucous surfaces, in hoarseness, cough due to faucial irritation, gastro-intestinal irritation and inflammat...1
ARNICA MONTANA
The dried flower-heads of Arnica montana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A perennial of Siberia and the cooler parts of Europe; also found in... / ...ess irritant than the tincture. After applying the latter, which should always be well diluted, the surface should not be covered or bandaged, so that evaporation may take place freely. Internal. Arni...1
The dried flower-heads of Arnica montana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A perennial of Siberia and the cooler parts of Europe; also found in... / ...ess irritant than the tincture. After applying the latter, which should always be well diluted, the surface should not be covered or bandaged, so that evaporation may take place freely. Internal. Arni...1
BAPTISIA
The recent root and leaves of Baptisia tinctoria, Robert Brown (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae), a perennial shrub-like plant, indigenous to North... / ...tances it overcomes the putrescency, restrains the discharge, and promotes healing of the ulcerated surfaces. In all of the local disorders mentioned, baptisia should be given internally as well as ap...1
The recent root and leaves of Baptisia tinctoria, Robert Brown (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae), a perennial shrub-like plant, indigenous to North... / ...tances it overcomes the putrescency, restrains the discharge, and promotes healing of the ulcerated surfaces. In all of the local disorders mentioned, baptisia should be given internally as well as ap...1
BELLADONNA (Atropa belladonna)ATROP
...lgia, pleurodynia, the chest pains of pulmonary tuberculosis, and in acute mastitis. In many of the surface conditions mentioned the plaster may prove most effectual. The liniment is especially useful......elaxes spasmodic constriction of that canal and cystic spasm and relieves pain. Rubbed on the under surface of the penis it has given marked relief in chordee. A suppository of belladonna relieves spa...... of delirium. Others again (and this agrees with our personal experience) find marked pallor of the surface, with contracted pupils, the indication, for minute doses of the drug. Following a law which...1
...lgia, pleurodynia, the chest pains of pulmonary tuberculosis, and in acute mastitis. In many of the surface conditions mentioned the plaster may prove most effectual. The liniment is especially useful......elaxes spasmodic constriction of that canal and cystic spasm and relieves pain. Rubbed on the under surface of the penis it has given marked relief in chordee. A suppository of belladonna relieves spa...... of delirium. Others again (and this agrees with our personal experience) find marked pallor of the surface, with contracted pupils, the indication, for minute doses of the drug. Following a law which...1
CINCHONACINCH
I. Cinchona.-The dried bark of Cinchona Ledgeriana, Moens; Cinchona Calisaya, Weddell, and hybrids of these with other species of Cinchona... / ...ty; anemia and debility from chronic suppuration; afternoon febrile conditions, weakness, with pale surface, loss of appetite, feeble digestion, and deficient recuperative powers. Action and Therapy.Â... / ...chronic suppuration; and to arrest profuse and debilitating night sweats in one suffering from general debility with poor recuperative powers.1
I. Cinchona.-The dried bark of Cinchona Ledgeriana, Moens; Cinchona Calisaya, Weddell, and hybrids of these with other species of Cinchona... / ...ty; anemia and debility from chronic suppuration; afternoon febrile conditions, weakness, with pale surface, loss of appetite, feeble digestion, and deficient recuperative powers. Action and Therapy.Â... / ...chronic suppuration; and to arrest profuse and debilitating night sweats in one suffering from general debility with poor recuperative powers.1
CINNAMOMUM
...itated or ulcerated. When too much has been added the oil of cinnamon separates and floats upon the surface, and if thus given it is decidedly irritant. If the medicine to which it has been added in o......o valuable to throw away, the excess of cinnamon may be easily removed by lightly sweeping over the surface with a clean piece of bibulous paperblotting paper or filter paper-or a firm, non-crumbling ...1
...itated or ulcerated. When too much has been added the oil of cinnamon separates and floats upon the surface, and if thus given it is decidedly irritant. If the medicine to which it has been added in o......o valuable to throw away, the excess of cinnamon may be easily removed by lightly sweeping over the surface with a clean piece of bibulous paperblotting paper or filter paper-or a firm, non-crumbling ...1
COCCULUS
The seeds of Anamirta panniculata, Colebrooke (Nat. Ord. Menispermaceae.) East India. Common Names: Fishberries, Indian Berries. Synonym: Cocculus... / ...y tincture, are often used by the laity for the destruction of lice. It must not be used on abraded surfaces, nor in any considerable quantity. Internal. Homeopaths use an attenuation of the tincture ... / ...so as to readily catch them, and it is asserted to be in use among brewers to add bitterness to beer and other malt beverages.1
The seeds of Anamirta panniculata, Colebrooke (Nat. Ord. Menispermaceae.) East India. Common Names: Fishberries, Indian Berries. Synonym: Cocculus... / ...y tincture, are often used by the laity for the destruction of lice. It must not be used on abraded surfaces, nor in any considerable quantity. Internal. Homeopaths use an attenuation of the tincture ... / ...so as to readily catch them, and it is asserted to be in use among brewers to add bitterness to beer and other malt beverages.1
COLOCYNTHIS
The dried, peeled pulp of the fruit of Citrullus Colocynthis (Linné,) Schrader. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) Mediterranean basin of Europe, Asia,... / ...loody stools. It may cause death from gastro-enteritis. The powder or the tincture applied to a raw surface or to the abdomen will purge as if given by the mouth. Colocynth, in small doses, increases ... / ...of the fifth nerve, when the characteristic cutting pain prevails. It should be given also when colicky pain precedes or accompanies amenorrhoea.1
The dried, peeled pulp of the fruit of Citrullus Colocynthis (Linné,) Schrader. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) Mediterranean basin of Europe, Asia,... / ...loody stools. It may cause death from gastro-enteritis. The powder or the tincture applied to a raw surface or to the abdomen will purge as if given by the mouth. Colocynth, in small doses, increases ... / ...of the fifth nerve, when the characteristic cutting pain prevails. It should be given also when colicky pain precedes or accompanies amenorrhoea.1
COPAIBACOOF2
An oleoresin derived from species of Copaiba growing in South America. Dose, 5 to 30 drops. Description.—A viscid, pale-yellow or brownish-yellow... / ..., sore nipples, old ulcers, and anal fissures, and to fistulous tracts to soften hardened edges and surfaces; also in sluggish chronic skin affections when a stimulating antiseptic action is desired. ...1
An oleoresin derived from species of Copaiba growing in South America. Dose, 5 to 30 drops. Description.—A viscid, pale-yellow or brownish-yellow... / ..., sore nipples, old ulcers, and anal fissures, and to fistulous tracts to soften hardened edges and surfaces; also in sluggish chronic skin affections when a stimulating antiseptic action is desired. ...1
ECHINACEA
...a local antiseptic, stimulant, deodorant, and anesthetic. Alcoholic preparations applied to denuded surfaces cause considerable burning discomfort, but as soon as the alcohol is evaporated a sense of ...... previous pain is experienced. Its deodorant powers are remarkable, especially when applied to foul surfaces, carcinomatous ulcerations, fetid discharges from the ears, and in gangrene. While not whol...1
...a local antiseptic, stimulant, deodorant, and anesthetic. Alcoholic preparations applied to denuded surfaces cause considerable burning discomfort, but as soon as the alcohol is evaporated a sense of ...... previous pain is experienced. Its deodorant powers are remarkable, especially when applied to foul surfaces, carcinomatous ulcerations, fetid discharges from the ears, and in gangrene. While not whol...1
EUCALYPTUSEUAN12
...s of the bronchopulmonic tract, with fetor, relaxation and abundant secretions. Used upon cancerous surfaces they mask the fetid odor and give some relief from pain. The following is an ideal vaginal ......nd in catarrhal and purulent cystitis, particularly in the aged. Being eliminated by all the mucous surfaces, it exerts its antiseptic influence upon them in all parts of the body. While the oil and e...1
...s of the bronchopulmonic tract, with fetor, relaxation and abundant secretions. Used upon cancerous surfaces they mask the fetid odor and give some relief from pain. The following is an ideal vaginal ......nd in catarrhal and purulent cystitis, particularly in the aged. Being eliminated by all the mucous surfaces, it exerts its antiseptic influence upon them in all parts of the body. While the oil and e...1
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Materia Medica on Surface
B!SMUTH
The compounds of Bismuth, although non-poisonous, have a marked antiseptic action which renders them valuable in medicine. They are used chiefly for their effect upon the mucous membrane of the stomach, having a soothing action when irritation of the mem brane exists. The insoluble compounds (subnitrate, snbcarbonate) have a similar action when applied topically to ulcerated surfaces or to the urethral or rectal mucous membrane. a. Bismuth and Ammonium Citrate. Beingsolubie, has greater astringe2
The compounds of Bismuth, although non-poisonous, have a marked antiseptic action which renders them valuable in medicine. They are used chiefly for their effect upon the mucous membrane of the stomach, having a soothing action when irritation of the mem brane exists. The insoluble compounds (subnitrate, snbcarbonate) have a similar action when applied topically to ulcerated surfaces or to the urethral or rectal mucous membrane. a. Bismuth and Ammonium Citrate. Beingsolubie, has greater astringe2
SODIUM BORATE (Borax)
Sodium Borate like Boric Acid, q. v. is antiseptic, but owing to its alkalinity has also a soothing effect on irritated surfaces. It is a valuable remedy in lithiasis, rendering the urine alkaline. It is used with bcnciit internally in epilepsy, but is chiefly employed for its local action in gargles for the throat, collyria for the eyes and in lotions for relief of itching. Dose, 0.3 to 1.0 Grm. (5 to 15 grs.), or more.2
Sodium Borate like Boric Acid, q. v. is antiseptic, but owing to its alkalinity has also a soothing effect on irritated surfaces. It is a valuable remedy in lithiasis, rendering the urine alkaline. It is used with bcnciit internally in epilepsy, but is chiefly employed for its local action in gargles for the throat, collyria for the eyes and in lotions for relief of itching. Dose, 0.3 to 1.0 Grm. (5 to 15 grs.), or more.2
SODIUM CHLORIDE
Sometimes used in doses of 8 to 15 Grm. (2 to 4 drachms) as an emetic; useful in small doses, 0.3 to 0.6 Grm. (5 to 10 grs.), combined with Sodium Bicarbonate to relieve gastric distress in dyspepsia; weak solutions (7:10,000) have a soothing effect on mucous membranes and on raw surfaces of wounds or ulcers.2
Sometimes used in doses of 8 to 15 Grm. (2 to 4 drachms) as an emetic; useful in small doses, 0.3 to 0.6 Grm. (5 to 10 grs.), combined with Sodium Bicarbonate to relieve gastric distress in dyspepsia; weak solutions (7:10,000) have a soothing effect on mucous membranes and on raw surfaces of wounds or ulcers.2
ZINC OLEATE
The preparation so named is in fact usually a mixture of Oleate with Palmitate and Stearate, occurring in the form of a powder quite free from grittiness. Very useful in excessive perspiration of the feet, in moist eczema and similar conditions; applied by dusting over the surface, also in ointments used like Zinc ointment.2
The preparation so named is in fact usually a mixture of Oleate with Palmitate and Stearate, occurring in the form of a powder quite free from grittiness. Very useful in excessive perspiration of the feet, in moist eczema and similar conditions; applied by dusting over the surface, also in ointments used like Zinc ointment.2
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Surface
SUNSTROKE
Distinguished between thermic fever, with high temperature and laboring heart, and heat exhaustion, with surface cool and circulation depressed. In the former case apply cold to surface, watching the effect, and using friction to draw blood to the surface. Bleeding may do good, but antipyretic remedies are of no use. In heat ex haustion apply heat to the surface.2
Distinguished between thermic fever, with high temperature and laboring heart, and heat exhaustion, with surface cool and circulation depressed. In the former case apply cold to surface, watching the effect, and using friction to draw blood to the surface. Bleeding may do good, but antipyretic remedies are of no use. In heat ex haustion apply heat to the surface.2
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.