Surgery


Etching alum stone

Alaun Dose
 

 

  Countless wet razors have used Alum-stone for centuries to treat their every-day blemishes. Alum has the desired, strongly astringent effect! Applied to small bleeding wounds, it pulls the tissue together and the platelets can close the wound faster. While it was common in the past to keep a compact block of alum on wounds, today one takes rather a Alaunstift. It is most commonly used after wet shaving and trimming and claw care of pets. The pen can also be used as a deodorant, as alum hinders bacterial growth. A disadvantage is the burning of the skin, which is caused by the action of the alum.


Composition
Alum stones based on Kalialaun, KAl (SO4) 2 · 12 H2O are widespread. Often, other salts are added to achieve a suitable consistency. A classic recipe uses 70% by mass of potassium alum, 9% of aluminum chloride and 7% each of ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate and zinc sulfate. The salts are mixed, melted and poured into stick form. Also commercially available are pins made of 11% potassium alum and 89% aluminum sulfate.


4.7 x 3.2 x 1.8 cm metal tin with matching alum block, bought 3/2017 at the flea market in Völs.