Rob (Kentucky) on 11/13/2025

Pyemia is a blood poisoning (septicemia) caused by the spread in the bloodstream of pus-forming bacteria released from an abscess.

Source: Therapeutic Gazette, p. 275-276,1925

In the Indian Medical Gazette for November, 1924, BELL reports on one case of pyemia, in which an abscess in the hip cleared up any doubt on the value of this treatment. The cause was attributed to a

thorn prick on the third knuckle of his right hand.

No special preparations were required for the administration of the tincture of iodine. The method adopted was to inject the tincture directly into a vein with a 10-cc syringe, diluted with 10-cc of sterilized rain water.

The rapid improvement of the patient was noteworthy. The injection brought about a marked change in his condition.

The treatment is handier and cheaper than vaccine treatment; it can be obtained in all dispensaries, all that is required is tincture of iodine, a 10-cc syringe, rain water, and care.

Vaccine treatment is expensive and as a rule is not available when required. If tincture of iodine is given a fair trial in such and similar cases it may eventually replace vaccine treatment.