Re: Not A Cure For Lupus, But Helps Lesions Heal?

A cultural divide...a huge one...exists between those who use something to cure themselves and those who don’t. It’s not surprising that “ignorance” continues even after exposure to something new.

In a hotel in Florida, I scratched myself badly on a piece of chrome trim which had come loose on the room’s small cooler. It cut through my shirt and into my side for about six inches, causing me to bleed quite significantly.

A bathroom towel held against my side staunched the blood flow, giving it a chance to clot. The young Brazilian woman, who was with me, had the presence of mind to call the desk, asking for a First Aid Kit.

Before it arrived, she took a small bottle from her purse and after washing her hands, smeared what appeared to be Vaseline over my cut, raw! I remember reading the bottle’s label, as she applied it.

It stung, which gave me the sense it was acting as alcohol would. Its strange, strong smell helped convince me it was providing some benefit. She assured me it was.

The First Aid kit provided gauze and adhesive tape, crafted into a bandage which she put over the whole affair. She insisted no other antiseptic be used.

She used it again, while changing the bandage, that next morning and the following evening.

It was hard watching someone smear what looks like Vaseline over a wound! We Americans can accept ointments that are rubbed on burns, skin infections, acne, etc. But an open wound?

The deep scratch easily healed and now that years have passed, there’s no hint of a scar.

However, despite the substance’s benefit, I’ve not used it since! But, I’ve not forgotten it, either!

Now, that’s ignorance. I admit it. But, it’s emotional comfort we look for, when it comes to healing one’s body. So, we do what we’re accustomed to!

And yes, I’m Black.

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