All-over black back plaster in the '50s

overthetop | 10:29 Sat 31st Jul 2010 | Body & Soul

10 Answers

In the fifties, I recall an uncle (probably in his 50's) had on at least one occasion a black plaster applied to cover all of his back. I mostly remember the fuss in trying to remove it - that must have been very painful. But I often wonder what it was for. Some chest or respiratory problem? If anyone recalls anything similar or can answer what it was for it would be much appreciated.

liquid soap v bar of soap

Sickness....

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Sqad

Could have been......Glycerine and Icthyol paste.

overthetop

Question Author

Thanks Sqad. I'll check it out on the net but do you know what it would have been for?

Sqad

Yes it was used for leg ulcers mainly but also for infections like Bronchitis and Pneumonia.

overthetop

Question Author

That's helpful. Many thanks.

Marijn

What was mustard plaster for?

Sqad

notafish.....same thing except not for leg ulcers.

Mamyalynne

notafish mustard plasters had many uses and as sqad says Bronchitis and pneumonia were but two of them, they are still used in Eastern Europe too, less so here.

Mamyalynne

agreed doc, not leg ulcers ouch!

Marijn

Thank you Sqad and Mamyalynne

jno

not a primitive version of a Brazilian, then?

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