NORFOLK-L Archives

From: "Bronwen Catton" <>
Subject: RE: Blue Bags, etc.
Date: Mon, 2 Dec 2002 14:29:38 -0000
In-Reply-To: <006301c298a1$d635c580$0fcd403e@itkfvkli>

The 'Blue Bag' was typically a 1" cube of tightly compressed methylene blue
crystals, wrapped in a small piece of light muslin.

Methylene blue is not a bleach. It made whites (including horses) whiter
simply by staining the item very slightly blue. This gave the illusion that
the slightly grey or yellow material was much whiter than it really was.

Methylene blue is also a mild disinfectant, hence it became common to use it
in a variety of applications to stem infection. Even stings were treated
with 'the blue bag' although its value for stings was probably more
psychological than physical.

Its mild antiseptic properties led it to be used against impetigo.
Depending on your social placement, in some groups up to half the children
would be running around with big blue/purple blotches on their faces.
Doubtless the methylene blue had some effect on the infection, but its
greatest value in preventing impetigo was as a social stigma, a sign of
'unclean'. As a child I have been told not to play with anyone with a blue
mark, knowing full well that if I caught the dreaded impetigo, that I too
would be branded with the blue bag and shunned by the other children. Back
then, being socially responsible was an important part of village life.

Methylene blues' ability to stain flesh was brought home to me about 30
years ago. I had built a paddling pool for my children, then toddlers. It
was only a foot deep, so to give it some character, I added a little
methylene blue. Within 30 minutes, all my children's friends were in there
with them, splashing around. It was a warm day, so I was concerned after
about an hour that the little tots looked perished. From the knees down they
were purple with cold!. You guessed, they were actually warm as toast, just
stained purple by the blue bag. No damage done to the children, but I got
earache from all the mums.

Those of you that keep aquaria will know that you can still get methylene
blue. It is used as a gentle bactericide for fish tanks to rid fish of some
nasty flesh eating infections.

Regards
Derek Smith

______________________________


-----Original Message-----
From: CGG [mailto:]
Sent: 30 November 2002 18:53
To:
Subject: Blue Bags, etc.


As well as its function as a linen whitener (used in the final rinse - very
effective) a
blue bag was a valuable bit of first aid kit - a sovereign remedy for wasp
stings!

(This list has a habit of setting one off on a trip down memory lane. One
unwelcome memory
being the torture inflicted by over-starched collars!)

Cheers,
Cliff of Coventry.

This thread:

• RE: Blue Bags, etc. by "Bronwen Catton" <>