J. Lawrence, M. J. Strauss
Jul 1, 1934
Citations
0
Influential Citations
2
Citations
Journal
Archives of Dermatology
Abstract
Potassium mercuric iodide (K2HgI4) is a complex salt formed by the interaction of 1 molecule of mercuric iodide with 2 molecules of potassium iodide and containing about 25.5 per cent of mercury. As a germicide it is claimed to have a greater factor of safety than corrosive mercuric chloride, being only one-half as toxic for animals. For several years the following solution of this substance has been used in the surgical service of the New Haven Hospital as an antiseptic for preoperative preparation of the skin: 1 per cent potassium mercuric iodide in an 85 per cent acetone solution with 0.0166 per cent eosin as a coloring agent This solution has proved successful as an antiseptic except for an occasional reddening of the skin. In operations on the face and head the skin is usually treated with a 70 per cent alcohol solution after the use of