Mark and Chaosmagnet ... I've fought this battle over antibiotics for a long time. First, let me say that I am 100% in agreement (and respect)with the medical community on the need to avoid over-using antibiotics. A lot of people want them needlessly. That is unnecessary. Also, as you have correctly stated - the best approach is always to identify the infectious agent and then treat appropriately. That's why we have MD's, and why they go to med school.

However, there are certain situations where this does not work. If you are working in a remote area (wilderness country, or third world destination), and you don't have an MD present, then you've got an infection risk. I am unwilling to accept the possible risk of bad infections & gangrene happening for bad wounds, just because of the normal rules. I do understand that gangrene is fundamentally due to a loss of blood flow to a part of the body, but I still want the option of fighting infections as much as possible. So for these situations - and these situations alone - I try hard to find solutions that will help. The two antibiotics that I listed are a fairly good approach. They are not perfect.

My prime method for addressing the issue of wound infections is to become MUCH better at cleaning and dressing wounds in the field. In fact, I'm working on those skills right now.

Here are a few more meds that can help (some you already mentioned):

* Benadryl ... very helpful for allergies and stuffy noses
* Lotrimin ... good anti-fungal for external use
* Isopropyl alcohol .... I prefer the 91% version, but 70% is fine. Good for cleaning skin. Excellent as a fuel for makeshift stoves (e.g. coke-can stove). But bulky, and cannot be carried on airlines.


other Pete