Tips

“TRICKS OF THE TRADE”

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“Tricks of the Trade” will be a monthly feature here at snydersembalming.com. Each month we will look at a helpful hint designed to help you, the mortuary professional. Click here for prior tips. If you would like to submit a tip, send it to jon@snydersembalming.com

This month, we have two tips for you, courtesy of embalmer David Finch of Bobbitt's Mortuary in San Bernardino:

Dealing With Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a term to describe the dead skin and oil mixed in the hair and clinging to the scalp of a person. Oftentimes, when someone has been in the hospital or a convalescent home for a long time, there is a chance of their hygiene being neglected, resulting in a case of cradle cap. Shampooing usually doesn't work to remove this stubborn substance. However, there is a very good remedy for this condition. Using a co-injection chemical to rinse the scalp usually melts the problem away without damaging the hair or scalp. A co-injection chemical such as Pierce Chemical's "One-Point" (which is the best for this) or Dodge Chemical's "Metaflow" works very well to dissolve the build-up on the scalp. After one or two applications, shampoo and rinse as normal.

The Carotid Incision

An incision on the carotid artery is often quite visible because of the open-collar shirts and blouses in which decedents may be dressed. Therefore, a proper closure is critical. This is especially true for those in trade embalming - - you really cannot afford to do it improperly the first time.

Everyone who has embalmed has used the autopsy needle and ligature to sew the incision on the neck. The large holes and absorbent string, accompanied by the Quick-Seel" powder, often turn the incision area into a dehydrated, discolored area "hat resembles beef jerky (when this occurs, your only hope is that the family has brought clothing with a high collar). A sure-fire way to avoid this bad outcome is to substitute Dodge's "Inr-Seel" clay sealing compound (also known as peanut butter) for the "Quick-Seel" powder; using dental floss and a small "C" shaped needle keeps the incision tight, without ripping large, dehydrating holes in the tissue. The Inr-Seel is
moist, and you can work large amounts into the open incision and reshape the area after it is closed. This method will neither dry out the incision, nor will it leak. The need for the glue and cotton is removed, and the incision is easily hid with lip wax, if the collar is open.

A further benefit of this method is that even if the jugular vein is unligated, the clay compresses the vessels enough to prevent leaking. I have NEVER had this method of incision closure leak on me.