Abstract
During the course of recent experimental studies on the pathology and treatment of burns directed toward reducing the incidence of infection associated with the Davidson tannic acid treatment, the addition of various antiseptics was considered. Aldrich 1 had pointed out the low antiseptic value of tannic acid alone and noted the frequency of infection beneath the heavy eschar. In view of his findings, Aldrich substituted crystal violet for tannic acid in the treatment of burns. Experimentally, burns treated with crystal violet, either alone or in combination with tannic acid, allowed the development of B. pyocyaneus and the colon group. Obviously, the proper antiseptic must be compatible with tannic acid, must have high bactericidal value against both cocci and bacilli, and low toxicity for tissue cells both locally and generally.
The carbocyclic group of compounds seemed to give the most promise of satisfying these criteria, and amyl tricresol (Upjohn and Company) was the first one tried. This material used in 1-1000 concentration with 5% or 10% tannic acid reduced the incidence of infection in experimental burns satisfactorily and at the same time did not interfere with the healing of the wounds.
Bactericidal tests (Food and Drug Administration Method) showed amyl tricresol effective in dilutions of 1-2000 against E. typhi and in dilutions of 1-4000 against S. aureus in 10 minutes. In combination with 5% tannic acid it became effective in dilution of 1-12,000 against E. typhi and 1-8000 against S. aureus in 10 minutes. Thus the effectiveness of amyl tricresol was increased 6 times against E. typhi and 2 times against S. aureus through combination with tannic acid.
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