Reader needs help identifying, finding product

March 9, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am trying to find a particular drawing salve that my grandmother, mother and I have used. It looks like a large Tootsie Roll and comes wrapped in a tan piece of rolled paper with black lettering. You melt a couple of drops of it onto a bandage and apply it where you have a sliver or piece of metal or glass. In a day or two, when you remove it, the sliver comes out.

I have looked everywhere for it, but no one even knows what I’m talking about. I’m originally from Connecticut but now live in Virginia. I am hoping that because you are from Connecticut, maybe you know what I’m talking about and possibly know the actual name of the product. [Read more...]

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February 28, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
My son developed a boil on his heel from his shoes rubbing. My 80-year-old mother was visiting at the time and told me to put a small piece of raw bacon on the sore and cover it with a four by four piece of gauze. Within a few days, the head of the boil lifted, leaving a large hole. This then started to heal from the inside out. It cost nothing, unless you count having to smell bacon day and night for a few days!

DEAR READER:
This is a new treatment to me. I am not sure how sanitary it is because raw meat can harbor several organisms, such as E. coli. I cannot argue with results though. However, I recommend anyone who tries this remedy be prepared to face any consequences that may develop. [Read more...]

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November 18, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Fifty years ago my sister developed toxemia while pregnant. I almost lost both her and the baby but thankfully they are still with us.

From the poison in her body she develops large boils. They primarily occur under her breasts and armpits but can pop out anywhere. They are incredibly painful and she only experiences relief when the boils come to a head and burst.

Is there anything that will help her?

DEAR READER:
Toxemia during pregnancy is caused by metabolic disturbances in the mother’s body. This results in preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure and fluid retention) and fully developed eclampsia (high BP, edema, seizures, and coma). The only treatment is birth of the child, after which symptoms disappear. [Read more...]

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