DISEASES OF THE SKIN.
The skin is divided into three layers. Beginning with the outer one and naming inward, they are named as follows: The outer layer is called the epidermis or cuticle (near or upon the skin). The second layer is called the corium, derma cutis vera, or true skin. The third layer is called the sub-cutaneous (under the skin) (fatty or connective) tissue. This last layer contains the sweat glands, the lower end of the deep-seated hair follicles, (little sacs containing the roots of the hair) and larger branches of the lymphatics, blood vessels and nerves, and serves in general as a bed for the true skin to rest upon, and by which the true skin is connected with the deeper parts, muscles, etc. The appendages of the skin are the hair, nails, sebaceous and sweat-glands. The discharge from the sweat-glands form a little or larger tumor. The contents of a wen are from sebaceous glands—fat secretions—fat tumor. The following names are frequently mentioned in the skin diseases:
Macule. (Spots, patches). Skin is altered in color, but the skin is not raised or depressed; freckle, etc.
Papule. (Pimple). Elevated piece of skin, varying in size from a pin-head to a coffee bean.
Tubercle. (Node-lump). A solid elevation of the skin, varying in size from a pea to a cherry.
Tumors. These are soft or firm elevations of the skin, like a wen or hard lump. They are always deep-seated.
Wheel. A round flat, white or pink elevation of the skin; such as hives, mosquito bites, etc.
Vesicle. This is a pin-head or pea-sized elevation of the outer layer (epidermis) filled with a watery fluid.
Bleb. (Bulla). A circumscribed elevation of the skin and contains a watery fluid, such as a burn, etc.
Pustule. A rounded elevation of the outer layer (epidermis) of varying size, containing pus (matter).
A vesicle, bleb, and pustule are hollow; macule, papule, and tubercle are solid.
Scale. (Squama). This is a dry attached or unattached thin piece from the skin as a result of disease of the skin.
Crust. This is a dried mass as a result of fluid oozing from a diseased skin.
Excoriation. Like a scratch mark.
Fissures. This is a crack, like that found on chapped hands.
Ulcer. (Sore). Eating away of the parts.
Scar. Ulcer healed leaving a mark, like from a healed cut.
Pigmentation. Discoloration.
ACNE. (Simple Acne).—This is an inflammation of the sebaceous (fatty, cheesy) glands. It forms these pimples or pustules and these are intermingled with black-heads (comedones), flesh-worms. They vary from a pin-head to a split-pea in size, and are of a bright or dark red color. They occur for the most part on the face; also on the back, neck and chest.
Condition.—An over secretion, or alteration and retention of the fatty (sebaceous) matter, and this is followed by inflammation involving the glands, ducts of the glands, and hair follicles. Pus often forms and tissue may be destroyed.
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Causes.—These skin glands are active at the time of puberty. The active cause may be the stomach troubles, constipation, womb disorders, and poor general nutrition.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Acne.—All stomach troubles, constipation, and womb troubles should be looked into and remedied. The diet and hygiene must be regulated. Food that stimulates and is hard to digest should be prohibited. When there is dyspepsia and constipation, bitter tonics, like compound tincture of gentian, one dram before meals, or pepsin (five grains) and loosening medicines like salts should be given.
Tincture of Nux Vomica is a good stomach and bowel tonic given in doses of one to two drops before meals.
Calomel, one-half grain at night for a few nights, followed in the morning by epsom salts or some mineral water like Abilena or Hunjadi is useful. The following is a good combination by Dr. Schalek:
Tincture of Nux Vomica 2 drams
Dilute Nitro Muriatic Acid 4 drams
Sherry Wine enough for 3 ounces
Mix and take one teaspoonful three times a day.
Diet.—See diet for dyspepsia and constipation. All fatty, greasy, rich foods are prohibited.
Local Treatment.—If the skin is quite red and tender, mild soothing applications should be used. Most cases require vigorous treatment. First wash the parts with warm water and the best soap, rinse with hot water and then dry carefully. Remove the black-heads by careful pressure of the fingers, or with black-head extractor; the pimples and pustules should be freely cut, to allow the matter to escape and all the matter taken out.
External Medication, Ointment and Lotions.—Lotions are to be preferred in cases of oily discharge. If the skin becomes rough and chapped, soap should not be used in washing, and a soothing ointment should be applied. Drugs used are for stimulating the skin and healing the lesions.
1. Soothing Ointment.—
Precipitated Sulphur 1 dram
Benzoinated Lard 1/2 ounce
Lanolin 1/2 ounce
For local use but not in oily cases. (Dr. Schalek.)
2. The following used as a soothing lotion:
Washed Sulphur 2-1/2 drams
Spirits of Camphor 3 drams
Biborate of Sodium 2 drams
Glycerin 6 drams
Distilled water enough for 4 ounces
Mix and shake well and apply freely so as to leave a film on the face.
(Dr. Schalek.)
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3. Dr. Duhring's Lotion, following:
Precipitated Sulphur 2 drams
Glycerin 2 drams
Alcohol 1 ounce
Lime water 1 ounce
Rose water 2 ounces
Mix and shake before using and apply.
4. Kummerfield's Lotion. "Oriental Lotion."
Precipitated Sulphur 4 drams
Powdered Camphor 10 grains
Powdered Tragacanth 20 grains
Lime water 2 ounces
Rose water 2 ounces
Mix; shake well and apply every few hours.
5. Stimulating preparations.
Corrosive sublimate 1/2 to 2 grains
Emulsion bitter almonds 4 ounces
Mix thoroughly and use to stimulate the skin.
6. Ointment of white precipitate (five to fifteen per cent strength) can be used in place of one above.
7. The Following Hebra Lotion (I give as written).
Hydrarg. Bichlor 1 dram
Aqua Distill 4 drams
Ov. Albuminis 3 drams
Succi Citri 3 drams
Sacchari 1 ounce
Mix and apply as directed.
Caution.—Sulphur and mercury preparations should not be used at the same time, nor immediately succeeding each other, as they will stain the skin.
BALDNESS. (Alopecia). Causes.—Hereditary and diseases. Congenital and senile (old age) baldness is incurable. Congenital (born without hair) baldness is rare.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Baldness, Well Recommended for.—"A first class hair restorative is made of sage tea and whisky in equal parts with a dash of quinine in the bottle."
2. Baldness, Vaselin and Quinine for.—
"Vaselin 1 ounce
Quinine 1/2 ounce"
Mix together and apply to the scalp.
3. Baldness, Good Canadian Remedy for.—"Strong sage tea. Rub the scalp frequently. I have used this with great success."
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PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Baldness.—Persons who have an hereditary tendency to baldness should pay close attention to the hygiene of the scalp, as this is very important. The hair should be shampooed two or three times a week, to remove sebaceous accumulations and other foreign materials. After the scalp has been thoroughly rinsed with clean water and dried, some oil or (tube) vaselin should be rubbed in, Fine-toothed combs should never be used, The daily wetting of the hair is injurious, Rats should be light and well aired, When the hair begins to fall, stimulating applications should be used, in the form of ointments or lotions. The following are among the best with the author's name given but in English instead of Latin.
Dr. Schalek. 1.
Bichloride of Mercury 3 grains
Tinct. of Cantharides 1/2 ounce
Oil of Sweet Almonds 1 dram
Spirits of Rosemary 1 ounce
Rectified Spirits of Wine 2 ounces
Distilled water enough to make 6 ounces
Mix; shake bottle well; rub thoroughly into the scalp every morning.
2. Carbolic add 15 grains Glycerin 2 drams Cologne water 1 ounce
Mix, and apply to the scalp once daily.
3. Precipitated Sulphur 1 dram
Lanolin 2-1/2 drams
Glycerin 2-1/2 drams
Rose water enough to make 1 ounce
Mix well. Part the hair in different places and rub ointment into the scalp.
4. Ihle's Mixture.—
Resorcin 1-1/2 drams
Castor Oil 1-1/2 ounces
Spirits of Wine 5 ounces
Balsam Peru 10 drops
Mix. Rub into the scalp daily with a piece of flannel.
5. Bulkley's Lotion.—
Tincture Cantharides 1/2 ounce
Tincture Capsicum 1/2 ounce
Castor Oil 1 dram
Cologne Water 1 ounce
Mix and apply daily to the scalp.
6. Lassar's Ointment.—
Pilocarpine Muriate 30 grains
Vaseline 5 drams
Lanolin 2 ounces
Oil of Lavender 20 drops
Mix and apply to the scalp.
BALD PATCHES. (Alopecia Areata).—These appear rather suddenly. They are circular bald patches which may appear on any hairy part of the body, but more frequently on the scalp. It is considered a chronic trouble, but tends to final recovery.
[SKIN DISEASES 57]
Cause.—Occurs usually between the ages of ten and forty. It may be from a parasite.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.—Cod-liver oil, elixir quinine, iron and strychnine one dram three times daily. Arsenic, Fowler's solution, four drops three times daily.
Local Treatment.—Stimulating remedies, like sulphur, tar, tincture of cantharides, capsicum, in various strength in combination such as given for baldness. In old persons it may become permanent.
ANIDROSIS. (Lessened Sweat Secretion).—This means a diminution of the sweat secretion. The patient does not sweat enough, especially in certain skin diseases like psoriasis, etc.
Treatment.—Hot water, vapor baths, friction, massage, etc., should be used to increase the sweat secretion. Treat the accompanying skin disease.
FOUL SWEATING. (Bromidrosis). Symptoms.—The odor may be very disagreeable, or resemble the odor of certain flavors or fruits. It is generally found in the arm-pit and genital organs.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Offensive Sweating, Alum Water for.—"A wash made with a teaspoonful of alum and a quart of water will prevent offensive sweating. We all know how disagreeable it is to sit near a person in a street car or any crowded place, who has an odor of perspiration about them, How easy it would be to use this wash and rid yourself of this difficulty,"
2. Sweaty Feet, Borax and Alcohol for.—"Dissolve a tablespoonful of powdered borax in half a pint of diluted alcohol (half alcohol, half water) and rub the feet at night, You will find this a splendid remedy." I
3. Sweating, Simple Home Remedy to Produce.—"Place a rubber sheet or blanket under the patient. Have a simple blanket soaking in hot water and when all is ready, wring blanket as dry as possible and wrap about the patient up to the neck. After this a dry blanket is wrapped around the patient. Care should be taken not to have the blanket hot enough to burn the patient, but not too cool. After a few minutes the patient is taken out, rubbed dry gently and left to rest and sleep." This treatment will be found very beneficial and inexpensive.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Foul Sweating.—Frequent bathing, dressing powders of boric and salicylic acids, etc.
1. Salicylic Acid 1/2 ounce
Powdered Starch 1/2 ounce
Mix and dust on the parts.
2. Boric acid powdered may also be used.
3. Powdered Boric Acid and Salicylic Acid; Equal parts.
To be used as a dusting powder on the sweating parts.
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3. One per cent solution of potassium permanganate or permanganate of potash is good applied to the parts.
CALLOSITY or Callositas.—This is circumscribed yellowish-white, thickened and horny patches of one of the layers of the cuticle (epidermis).
Causes—They come as the result of the occupation or pressure, and sometimes without any seeming cause.
Symptoms.—They occur mostly on the hands and feet and are usually sensitive.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT, for Callosity or Callositas.—Remove the cause of the horny masses. The latter is done by soaking them with prolonged hot water baths and scraping off the mass afterwards. This should be continued and done frequently.
Salicylic Acid 30 grains
Collodion 4 ounce
Mix and apply with a camel's hair pencil.
CORNS. (Calvus).—A small, flat, deep-seated, horny growth, mostly on or between the toes.
Cause.—Usually the result of too tight or too loose shoes. Due to pressure and rubbing.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—Corns, one of the Surest Remedies.—"Take salicylic acid, make a thick paste with flour, put on absorbent cotton and apply, leaving same on several days; soak well and corn will come out." This is a thoroughly tried remedy and a good one. This is about as good a cure as there is for corns. After this paste has been on the corn for three days, it should be removed and the feet soaked well, and the corn scraped off.
2. Corns, Turpentine and Kerosene for.—"A very simple remedy is to apply turpentine or kerosene oil to the affected part on going to bed." It is always a good plan to soak the feet well before treating the corn, as the turpentine will penetrate more quickly.
3. Corns, to Remove Without Pain.—
"Alcohol 1/2 ounce
Muriatic Acid 1 dram
Nitric Acid 1 dram
Oil of Rosemary 1 dram
Chloroform 2 drams
Tincture Iron 2 drams
Mix the above, and apply freely to the corn with little brush or feather until it can be removed with thumb lance. It may require several applications."
4. Corns, Onion a Cure for.—"Soak a small onion in vinegar four hours, then cut in two and bind on the corn at night. In the morning (if the onion has remained over the corn) the soreness will be gone and you can pick out the core. If not cured in first application repeat."
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5. Corns, Castile Soap an Effective Remedy for.—"Rub the corn night and morning with castile soap, as often as possible shave it, being careful not to cut deep enough to make it bleed." Be faithful in soaping it thoroughly night and morning for several days until it disappears. This is a very simple but effective remedy.
6. Hard Corns, Iodine a Successful Remedy for.—"Paint the corns with iodine every night for three nights, stop three nights, then apply three nights again, and so on for two weeks." Have tried this and know it to be very successful, especially good for hard corns.
7. Corns, Castor Oil for.—"Apply castor oil; rub it thoroughly, then soak feet. It will soften and remove corns."
8. Corns, Vinegar and Bread for.—"Take bread and soak in vinegar for twenty-four hours, put a plaster on for three or four nights. If not cured on first application, repeat."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Corns.—Remove the cause; soften them by prolonged soaking in hot water, and then gently scrape off the softened particles, continue this for several days; then put a narrow strip of rubber or salicylated plaster (adhesive plaster) over to protect them from pressure. The following is good to soften them:
1. Salicylic Acid 1-1/2 dram Extract of Cannabis indica 10 grains Collodion 1 ounce
Mix and paint on the corn for several days and after soaking corn scrape it off with a sharp knife.
2. A Good but Weaker Remedy:-
Salicylic Acid 30 grains
Extract of Cannabis indica 5 to 10 grains
Collodion 1/2 ounce
Both of these prescriptions are good, the first being stronger with salicylic acid.
3. When the corns are soft with inflammation, wash and dry the foot and apply a solution of nitrate of silver, sixty to one hundred and twenty grains to the ounce of water, to every part every four or five days.
Ulcerating Corns.—Cauterize with nitrate of silver in stick form.
CARBUNCLE. (Anthrax).—A carbuncle is an acute circumscribed inflammation of the skin and tissues beneath, of the size of an egg, orange, or larger. It is a hard mass and ends in local death of some of the tissue and formation of pus, which empties upon the surface through several sieve-like openings.
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Symptoms.—There is a feeling of general sickness, chilliness and some fever. The skin over the sore part is hot and painful. The several dead parts may run together until the entire mass separates in a slough. In favorable cases it proceeds to heal kindly, but in severe cases it may spread to the surrounding tissues and end fatally, sometimes by the absorption of putrid materials, or by the resulting weakness. It runs usually from two to five weeks.
Causes.—It comes in middle or advanced life, usually oftener in men than in women. It occurs frequently in patients suffering from diabetes, in whom it is usually fatal.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Carbuncles, Poppy Leaves to Draw and Ripen.—"A poultice of poppy leaves is very efficacious to draw or ripen a carbuncle." A poultice made from these leaves is very quieting and soothing, and at the same time will cause the carbuncle to ripen.
2. Carbuncle, Slippery Elm and Sassafras Root for.—"Sassafras root and slippery elm bark boiled together and the decoction thickened with cornmeal." This should be changed as often as it becomes cool.
3. Carbuncle, Sheep Sorrel Poultice for.—"Gather a bunch of sheep sorrel leaves, wrap them in a cabbage leaf and roast in the oven. Apply to the carbuncle, and it will soon ripen and break."
4. Carbuncle, Bread and Milk Poultice for.—"Keep warm bread and milk poultice on until the core comes out, then put on salve or vaselin and keep covered until all healed."
5. Carbuncle, the Common Scabious for.—"Take scabious, the green herb and bruise it. Apply this to the affected part. This has been found a very effectual remedy." The common field scabious have many hairy, soft, whitish green leaves, some of which are very small and rough on the edges, others have hairy green leaves deeply and finely divided and branched a little. Flowers size of small walnut and composed of many little ones. Sometimes called "Morning Bride," "Devil's Bit," etc.
6. Carbuncle, Snap Bean Poultice for.—"Apply snap bean leaves beat up fine. Bruise the leaves until they are real fine, then apply as a poultice."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Carbuncles.—Keep up the strength by a nourishing diet and in some cases, stimulants.
[SKIN DISEASES 61]
Local.—Cut it open thoroughly by a cross (crucial) cut, like this (x). The cut must reach through the mass to sound tissue beneath and beyond it. Then scrape out all the dead tissue. Dress with iodoform or sterile gauze. An antiseptic like listerine, glyco-thymoline, etc., can be used to wet the gauze, put on as a dressing afterwards and then more dry gauze above, strapped with adhesive plaster. Water and instruments must be boiled, hands must be absolutely clean. Everything around it must be clean. Sometimes it is necessary to go slowly and take out at each dressing only what can be easily removed, It is not always possible to get the whole mass away at once. Opening the carbuncle and giving free drainage afford great relief from the fever and often general symptoms. When the part feels as if it needed redressing, it should be done, for it then gives much relief. The dressings frequently become hard and do not absorb all of the material ready to be discharged. It is usually proper and prudent to dress a carbuncle two or three times a day. There is no danger if the one who dresses it is clean with the instruments, hands and gauze or cotton.
LIVER SPOTS, Moth Patch, Chloasma, etc.—This is a discoloration of the skin of a yellowish to a blackish tint of varying size and shape.
Causes.—It may be due to external agencies, such as rubbing, scratching, heat (tanning and sunburn) blistering; or due to diseases such as tuberculosis, cancer, malaria, Addison's disease, disease of the womb, pregnancy.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Liver Spots.—Remove all causes if possible.
Local.—This must be carefully used, find out first how sensitive the skin is. Dr. Bulkley recommends this lotion:
Corrosive Sublimate 5 grains
Dilute Acetic Acid 2 drams
Borax 40 grains
Rose water enough for 4 ounces
Shake bottle, mix and apply to the part night and morning. If the skin becomes too scaly, a mild soothing ointment should be substituted for the above. White suggests the following:
Hydrarg. Ammon. Chlar 2 drams
Subnitrate Bismuth 2 drams
Starch 1/20 ounce
Glycerin 1/2 ounce
Mix and apply twice daily.
The application of peroxide of hydrogen has only a temporary effect.
BLACK-HEADS. Flesh Worms, Comedones, Pimples, etc.—This is a disorder of the sebaceous glands in which the sebaceous (fatty, cheesy) secretions become thickened; the excreting ducts, appearing on the surface, as yellowish or blackish points. They appear chiefly on the face, neck, chest, and back and are very unsightly.
Symptoms.—They are easily pressed out, and appear then as thread-like, whitish masses which contain fatty material. The black point may be due to pigment or to dirt from without. Comedones may exist with acne and seborrhoea and excessive secretion of sebum.
Causes.—Want of tone to the skin, which performs its functions sluggishly. Stomach-bowel disorders, menstrual disturbances and anemia are other causes and assist in making them worse. Improper care of the skin and dusty air may be other assistant causes.
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MOTHERS' REMEDIES. For Pimples and Black-heads.—l. Pimples on the face, effective yet harmless remedy for:
Camphor 10 grains
Acacia (pulverized) 20 grains
Sulphur (precipitated) 2 drams
Lime water 2 ounces
Rose water 2 ounces
Apply on the face with a soft cloth at bedtime. Allow to dry and brush off the excess of the powder.
Anyone suffering from these eruptions is usually willing to try every known remedy. The above is excellent and very effective and is harmless.
2. Pimples, Alum Water for.—"Take a teaspoonful of alum to a quart of water and use as a wash, say three times a day. This will cure ordinary pimples on the face."
3. Skin Blotches, Cream of Tartar and Sulphur for.—"Two ounces cream tartar and one ounce of powdered sulphur (from the lump). Mix. Dose:—Teaspoonful in a little water three times a day will cure."
4. Rough Skin, Healing Cream for.—"One-fourth cup tallow melted, one teaspoonful glycerin, small lump camphor, dissolved. Mix all together by warming sufficiently." Rub in thoroughly as you do any face cream.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Pimples.—Remove the cause if possible. The diet should be like that given under dyspepsia and constipation. Menstrual disorders should be remedied.
Local.—Remove the plugs (of sebum) and stimulate the skin glands. For this purpose prolonged (ten minutes at a time) bathing of the face with hot water and soap; tincture of green soap in the more indolent, sluggish cases, should precede the pressing out of the blackheads: Lateral pressure with the fingers or with the comedone extractor, especially contrived for this purpose, will express the black-heads. After they are out, the skin dried and cleaned, various stimulating remedies can be applied in ointments and lotions such as following:
1. "Precipitated Sulphur 1 dram Ointment of Rose water 1 ounce
Mix and rub on at night."
2. Beta-Naphthol 1/2 dram Resorcin 1/2 dram Lanolin 1 ounce
Mix and apply locally.
INFLAMMATION of the Skin. (Dermatitis).—This is due to many causes. It can come from injuries, for instance the rubbing or pressure of ill-fitting clothes, bandages, bites of insects and from scratching.
Varieties.—Dermatitis ambustionis, (burning). This is due to excessive heat upon the skin.
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PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Inflammation of the Skin.—Relieve the pain; protect the parts; exclude the air. Paint the burned part with a one to five per cent solution of cocaine, according to the severity of inflammation. Then apply soothing lotions of equal parts of lime-water and olive or linseed oil; cover the whole with absorbent cotton. Dusting powder of soda bicarbonate may also be used, or common soda. In burns with vesicles, etc., open them and then cover with carbolized oil, gauze and adhesive to hold the dressing. The parts can be washed with a solution of boric acid, one teaspoonful to a cup of water; then dust upon the parts sugar of lead once or twice a day. Some use it in solution; I like the powder better. Infusion of lobelia, one ounce to pint of hot water, is good. Also lead and laudanum wash.
ECZEMA. (Humid Tetter-Salt Rheum-Dry Tetter). Definition.—Eczema is an inflammatory disease of the skin, characterized at its commencement by redness, pimples, vesicles, pustules and their combinations, with itching and burning. It terminates in a watery or pus-like discharge with the formation of crusts or scaling.
Varieties.—There are many varieties, red, scaly, fissured, watery looking and hard skin.
Symptoms.—Itching is almost always a symptom of this disease. There is more or less pouring out of liquid (serum). The dry, scaly type, and the weeping type, may alternate with each other. There are six cardinal symptoms; inflammation, itching, moisture, crusting, infiltration (liquid filling of the tissues), fissuring or cracking. Dr. Fox says that nearly one-third of all skin diseases are eczema in some of its stages or varieties. In one kind there is red spot (macule). The skin is dry, of a bright or dull red color, with intense itching or burning, more or less watery swelling in the acute stage. In the chronic stage, the skin becomes thick and covered with fine dry scales, usually in the face (Eczema Erythematosum).
Eczema Vesiculosum. (Vesicular Eczema).—This is preceded by a feeling of heat and irritation about the part. In a short time pinhead sized vesicles appear. These frequently run together and form patches. They rupture rapidly; the liquid is poured out, dries up and forms crusts. The discharge stiffens linen, a characteristic of this variety.
Eczema Pustulosum. (Pustules). Pustular Kind.—This is nearly like the preceding. The vesicles have pus in them from the start or develop from the vesicles. When the pustules rupture, their contents dry up to the thick greenish-yellow crusts. The scalp and face, in children especially, are the favored spots for this kind. It occurs in poorly nourished children.
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Eczema Papulosum. (Papular Variety).—This is characterized by flat or sharp pointed reddish pimples (papules), varying in size from a small to a large pin-head. They are usually numerous, run or crowd together and form large patches. The itching is usually very intense. This causes much scratching, rawness and crusts. The pimples may continue as such, or change into vesicles. In chronic cases they run together, and finally form thick scaly patches, and may run into a scaly eczema.
Eczema Rubrum (red).—The skin looks red, raw, and "weeps." It is most commonly found about the face and scalp in children, and the lower parts of the legs in the old.
Eczema Squamosis. (Scaling).—This may follow any of the other varieties, but usually follows the red and pimple (papule) variety. They are various sized and shaped reddish patches, which are dry and more or less scaly. Thickening is always present, also a tendency to cracking of the skin, especially if it affects the joints. There are other varieties but these are the most important.
RECOVERY.—Eczema has a tendency to persist and rarely disappears spontaneously.
Causes.—Gout, diabetes, rheumatism, Bright's disease, dyspepsia, constipation, nervous trouble, heat, cold, strong soaps, acids, alkalies, rubbing, scratching, etc.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Eczema, Lemon or Vinegar for.—"Rub the spots with sliced lemon. This will sometimes relieve the itching. Bathing with vinegar water is better for some as it destroys the germs." The bowels should be kept open, and then constitutional faults removed as the eruption of the skin is but a local manifestation of a functional fault.
2. Eczema, Olive Oil and Powder for.—"Bathe with olive oil and sift over the skin a powder composed of equal parts of fine laundry starch and oxide of zinc powder." Do not bathe with water until healed.
3. Eczema, Herb Tea for.—"A good wash for eczema is made of an ounce of bruised blood-root and yellow dock, steeped well in a pint of alcohol, and half pint of vinegar." Apply gently to the affected parts.
4. Eczema, Potato and Camphor for.—"Make a poultice of a cold potato with a small quantity of camphor. This is very good and relieves the trouble very soon."
5. Eczema, Sulphur and Lard for.—"An excellent eczema cure is made by applying a paste made of sulphur and lard to the affected parts." This is very easily prepared, and has been known to cure many cases.
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6. Skin Diseases, Burdock Tea a Standard Remedy for.—"Take a handful of the freshly bruised burdock root to two quarts of water and boil down one-half; drink from a half to one pint a day." This is considered one of the best home remedies for skin diseases that is known and is perfectly harmless.
7. Skin Disease, Blood Purifier for.—
"Iodide Potash 192 grains
Fluid Extract Stillingia 1 ounce
Fluid Extract Prickly Ash Bark 1/2 ounce
Fluid Extract Yellow Dock 1 ounce
Compound Syrup Sarsaparilla to make 8 ounces
Mix."
8. Tetter, Reliable Remedy for.—"Turpentine 1 ounce, red precipitate 3 drams, vaselin 4 ounces. Mix, rub on the affected parts several times a day." This is a splendid ointment for a severe case of tetter.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Eczema.—Water is likely to make acute cases worse. In order to cleanse the parts use water softened by starch or bran. Use oily preparations to soften the crusts and then they can be removed with water and good soap.
In Chronic Sluggish Cases.—Water and strong soaps may be used. Cloths wrung from hot water and applied, will frequently relieve the itching. Use lotions in moist and salves in dry eczema. For the acute kind the remedy should be soothing, and more or less stimulating for the chronic forms.
Local Treatment for the acute and sub-acute (between acute and chronic) eczema.
In acute cases, with much pouring out of liquid (serum), lotions have a cooling effect. They should be frequently renewed.
1. Black Wash.
Calomel 1 dram
Mucilage Tragacanth 1 dram
Lime water 10 ounces
Mix. Can be used full strength or diluted. Bathe the affected parts several times daily for fifteen or twenty minutes with this lotion and apply oxide of zinc ointment afterwards.
2. Lead and Laudanum wash.—When the parts discharge moisture with burning feeling, and are very sensitive the following is good:
Laudanum 1/2 ounce
Solution of Sugar of lea 7-1/2 ounces
Mix and apply externally with gauze saturated with it.
3. A solution of boric acid is also a good remedy.
4. Apply the following soothing application frequently, allowing the sediment to remain on the skin:
Powdered Calamine 1 dram
Oxide of Zinc 1 dram
Glycerin 1 dram
Lime water 6 ounces
[66 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
5. Dusting powders.—Corn, potato or rice starch powders. Mennen's baby powder is also good. Borated kind is the best for this.
6. Oxide of Zinc ointment alone, applied night and morning, is valuable in many cases.
The Black wash should be used twice a day just before the oxide of zinc ointment is applied. In other cases powdered oxide of zinc is dusted over the part if the discharge is watery or profuse.
7. McCall Anderson's Ointment.—
Oxide of Bismuth 1 ounce
Pure Oleic Acid 8 ounces
White Wax 3 ounces
Vaselin 9 ounces
Oil of Rose 5 drops
Make an ointment and apply. The proportions of each ingredient call be reduced one-half, for smaller amount.
8. Pastes are often borne better than ointment. The following is a good one. Lassar's paste:
Starch 2 drams
Oxide of Zinc 2 drams
Vaselin 4 drams
Mix and make a paste, apply to the part and cover with soft gauze.
9. For the Itching.—
Powdered Oxide of Zinc 1/2 ounce
Powdered Camphor 1-1/2 dram
Powdered Starch 1 ounce
Mix and dust on as needed.
When the disease is not so acute (sub-acute) applications of a mildly stimulating character are needed. For this purpose, resorcinal in the proportion of two to thirty grains to the ounce of lard, according to the severity and amount of hardness existing. Apply to the part. Stimulant and soothing.
External Treatment of Chronic Eczema.—Applications for chronic and lasting sluggish eczema.
1. Tincture of green soap used with hot water until the skin is bared and then dress with oxide of zinc ointment.
2. Tar in the form of the pure Official tar ointment.
3. Salicylic acid thirty to sixty grains to an ounce of lard and applied for stimulating purposes.
4. Dr. Schalek uses the same remedies in part and the following for a fixed dressing, especially on the eyes. They do not need to be changed often.
[SKIN DISEASES 67]
Glycogelatin Dressing.—
Gelatin 10 drops
Oxide of Zinc 10 drops
Glycerin 40 drops
Water 40 drops
Mix and apply to the part.
The above may be made in any quantities,—using drops, spoonfuls, etc. Dress the parts in a thin gauze bandage, over which the melted preparation is painted. I have given many different prescriptions, but those who treat skin diseases know that a great many are needed, for they act differently upon different persons.
Special Varieties of Eczema and what to do for them.—
Eczema of Children.—This is generally acute of the vesicular (watery) or vesicular pustular (pus forming) variety. The parts commonly affected are the scalp and the face.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Eczema.—Remove the causes, watch the feeding. Keep the folds of the skin dry and free from friction. To prevent scratching, masks must be applied to the scalp and face, or the hands must be tied in bad cases. The local treatment is the same as above except the strength of the drugs used must be reduced in proper proportion.
Eczema of the Scalp, Milk Crust.—Remove the crusts by soaking the scalp with some bland oil for twelve hours, followed by a shampoo, (the hair should be cut in children) then the lotions and thin ointment (see above) should be applied.
Eczema of the Face.—A mask of soft linen with holes cut out for the eyes, mouth and nostrils may be used.
Eczema of the Scrotum.—A well fitting suspensory should be worn, sponge the parts with very hot water and follow with the anti-itching lotion and dusting powders for the itching.
Eczema of the Hands in Adults.—Keep the hands out of water as much as possible. Dry them thoroughly and then anoint. Greatly thickened patches may be softened by soap plasters or bathe the parts in ten or twenty per cent solutions of caustic potash and followed by a salve application. The internal treatment must be given for the cause.
Diet in Eczema.—Avoid salty foods, such as salted fish or pork and corned beef; greasy foods such as bacon and fried dishes; pastry and cheese.
[68 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Salt Rheum. 1. Alum Wash and Cathartic for.—"Use an astringent wash as alum, tablespoonful in pint of water, and keep bowels opened by cooling medicines, as cream tartar, rochelle salts, etc." The alum solution will be found very cooling and by keeping the bowels open you will carry off all the impurities thus cleansing the blood, which is one of the essential things to do in salt rheum.
2. Salt Rheum, Ammonia and Camphor for.—"Apply ammonia and camphor to the cracks. Have used this successfully when everything else failed." Care should be taken not to have the ammonia too strong, as it may irritate the skin more. If used properly, it is a good remedy.
3. Salt Rheum, Cactus Leaf Cure for.—"From one large cactus leaf take out the thorns, add one tablespoon of salt, three tablespoons lard, stew out slowly, and grease with this at night. Remarks:—This cured my hand that had been in an awful condition for years."
4. Salt Rheum, Pine Tar for.—"Apply pine tar as a paste." This is an excellent remedy but care should be taken in using it, as pine tar is very irritating to some people, and should be used very cautiously.
BOIL. (Furunculus, Furuncle). Causes.—Boils may appear in a healthy person, but they are often the result of a low condition of the system; they are frequently seen in persons suffering from sugar diabetes.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Boil, My Mother's Poultice for.—"Poppy leaves pounded up and bound on are good. My mother has used this recipe and found it to be good." This remedy not only makes a good poultice, but is very soothing, as poppies contain opium. The leaves may be purchased at any drug store.
2. Boil, Soap and Sugar Poultice for.—"Poultice made of yellow or soft soap and brown sugar, equal parts. Spread on cloth and apply faithfully." This makes a good strong poultice, and has great drawing powers and would be apt to create a good deal of pain, but would draw the boil to a head. The above remedy was sent in by a number of mothers, all of whom said they had tried it with success when other remedies failed.
3. Boil, Vinegar or Camphor for.—"May be cured by bathing in strong vinegar frequently when they first start. When it stops smarting from the vinegar cover with vaseline or oil." Bathing the boil in vinegar seems to check the growth and does not allow them to become as large as they would ordinarily. If you do not have vinegar in the house, camphor will answer the same purpose.
4. Boil, Bean Leaf Poultice for.—"Apply snap bean leaves, beat up fine." Bruise the leaves so that they are real fine, and apply to the boil. This acts the same as a poultice.
5. Boil, Another Vinegar Remedy for.—"If taken at first a boil can be cured by dipping the finger in strong vinegar and holding on the boil until it stops smarting. Repeat three or four times then apply a little oil to the head of boil."
[SKIN DISEASES 69]
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Boils.—Tonics such as iron, quinine, and strychnine are good. Elixir, iron, quinine and strychnine from a half to one teaspoonful three times a day is a good tonic for an adult. Sulphide of calcium one-tenth grain four times a day is good. Paint the inflamed spot when it first begins, with a solution of gun cotton (collodion) and renew it every hour until a heavy contractile coating is formed. Poultices, if used, should contain sweet oil and laudanum. Alcohol and camphor applied over the skin in the early stages is recommended by Ringer. This I know is good. Another, wipe the skin and use camphorated oil. When boils occur in the external ear, the canal should be washed out with hot water. If it is ripe it should be opened. The following is good for the pain of a boil:
Iodoform 4 grains
Menthol 2 grains
Vaselin 1 dram
Mix and smear a cotton plug and insert in the ear two or three times a day.
ABSCESS.—An accumulation of pus (matter) in any part of the body.
External Abscess.—Boil the knife, wash your hands in clean, hot, soapy water. Wash the abscess and surrounding parts in hot water and good soap, and rinse off with alcohol, a salt solution, or listerine, etc. Then make a good deep clean cut and scrape out if necessary. Dress with a clean linen gauze or absorbent cotton, Poultices may be used if you are careful. Such an abscess should be dressed twice a day. The inner dressing should be soft and thick enough to absorb all the secretion given out between dressings.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Abscess, Beech Bark Poultice for.—"Poultice made of red beech bark and wheat bran," A poultice made of the bark will cause a drawing feeling, and the wheat bran will retain the heat. The proportions for making the poultice should be about half and half.
2. Abscess, Milk and Salt Poultice for.—"Make a poultice of one cup of hot milk and common salt three teaspoonfuls; salt added gradually so it will not curdle. Cook until smooth and creamy, then add enough flour so it will spread but not be dry. Divide this into four poultices and apply in succession every half hour. This will remove the soreness and it should be kept oiled until healed."
3. Abscess, More Good Poultices for.—"Take equal parts of rosin and sugar, mix well and apply for several days until the abscess is broken. If this does not cause the abscess to break, poultice hourly with flaxseed meal."
[70 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
FELON. (Whitlow).—An inflammation of the deeper structures and frequently it is under the covering of the bone, (periosteum). If under the latter it must be opened soon or the resulting pus will burrow and destroy bone, joints, etc. The pain is intense, and after the patient has passed one sleepless night walking the floor and holding his finger it should be opened.
How? Place the hand with the fingers extended with the palm up (it is usually under the finger or in the palm of the hand) upon the table; stand by the side of the arm. Attract the patient to something else; have a curved two-edge knife ready and put the point, one-half inch, toward the palm, away from the felon part, press hard and the patient will jerk his hand and the cut will be made down to the bone, the membrane and tissues all opened freely, a vent given for the pus and in ten minutes very little pain. Dress as for an abscess. If opened this way, it need not be reopened.
If in the Palm.—This needs a doctor, and must be opened with care. There are too many blood vessels to be careless there and one who understands it must do it. Open a true felon early before it has time to destroy the bone.
SUPERFICIAL FELONS. Mothers' Remedies. 1. A Cure if Taken in Time.—"If taken in time a felon may be cured without lancing, but if poultice or liniment is used it is important that they should be bound on tightly as the mechanical compression is more essential than the application. A good remedy is finely pulverized salt, wet with spirits of turpentine bound tightly and left two or three days, wetting with the turpentine when dry without removing the cloth."
2. Felon, Treatment until time to Lance.—"If the felon has succeeded in getting a good start and pains considerably, it is well to paint it with iodine; in a few days it will become very painful, the pain being so intense that you cannot sleep. See a physician at once then, and have it lanced as the sac of pus on the bone must be opened. Then apply flaxseed poultices. Care should be taken not to have it lanced too early, as this is dangerous.
3. Felon, Strong Remedy for.—"Turpentine, yellow of egg and salt, equal parts, bind on." This is very strong and should only be allowed to remain on the finger a short time.
4. Felon, Lemon to draw inflammation from.—"Take a lemon, make a little hole, put finger in it and hold there a number of hours." Lemons have a great many healing qualities in them, and seem to be very good for felons. The acid in the lemon seems to help draw out the inflammation and serves as a poultice.
5. Felon, Hot Water Cure for.—"When you first feel it coming put the finger in a cup of hot water, just so it does not blister, keep adding more hot water as it cools for one hour. This has been tried several times and it has always stopped them."
6. Felon, Soap and Cornmeal Poultice for.—"Poultice with soft soap and cornmeal. This never fails if taken in time."
[SKIN DISEASES 71]
7. Felon, Smartweed Poultice for.—"Apply the bruised leaves of smartweed and bind on tight as can be borne." This makes a very good poultice applied in this way.
8. Felon, Hot Application for.—"When a felon first starts, soak the finger in equal parts of alcohol and hot water; keep it as hot as the finger will bear it."
9. Felon, an Old, Tried Remedy for.—"Put wood ashes, covered with warm water in a dish on the stove, hold the affected part in this, allowing it to get as hot as can be borne."
10. Felon, Turpentine Cure for.—"Soak the finger for one hour in turpentine. This has been known to cure a great many cases of felon."
11. Felon, Weak Lye Application for.—"Stick your finger in weak lye (can lye). Have water just as hot as you can stand your finger in. Hold it in as long as possible."
12. Felon, Rock Salt and Turpentine for.—"Rock salt dry and pounded fine. Mix equal portions with turpentine. When dry change. This cured a felon on my father." As much of our Canadian salt is rock salt, it is the most common salt to use.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Superficial Felons.—Such may be averted perhaps. I have heard of that but have never seen it done. They are not the genuine, true blue, terrible felons, but even these can give much pain. They do not need such a deep opening, and they are not so dangerous to the structures. They are superficial and abscesses, perhaps, might be the better term. For these many applications have been made.
1. Some hold the finger in hot lye. That is a good poultice.
2. Yolk of an egg and salt (equal parts) make a salve as a drawer.
3. The membrane within the shell of an egg is another good drawing remedy.
Dr. Chase gives this definition of a felon in his first edition: "This is on one of the fingers, thumb or hand and is very painful. It is often situated at the root of the nail." The latter is the kind, and also that of the structures above the covering of the bone that are eased by local treatment. Especially the superficial, about the nail, etc. Steaming with herbs will do such good, or any hot poultice will do good. Dr. Chase says in another place, "Whitlow resembles a felon, but it is not so deeply seated. It is often found around the nail. Immerse the finger in strong lye as long and as hot as can be borne several times a day." Such felons are curable by local treatment. I prefer the salt and yolk of the egg to the lye. If you cannot stand this all the time, steam in the intervals with strong herbs or use hot poultices, and then open when it points.
[72 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
ULCERS. An Eating Away of the Parts, Causes.—Diseases like syphilis, tuberculosis, leprosy. Disturbances of nutrition, constitutional ulcers, local conditions. Ulcers are acute and chronic. An acute ulcer is a spreading ulcer, in and about which acute destructive inflammation exists.
Treatment.—Keep them thoroughly clean (aseptic) and use soothing applications, mild lotions and salve.
Chronic Ulcer.—This is one which does not tend to heal, or heals very slowly. Sometimes such ulcers need to be stimulated like the application of nitrate of silver and then healing applications. Carbolated oxide of zinc ointment is a good healing ointment.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Sores and Ulcers, the Potato Lotion for.—"Take the water you boil potatoes in and in one quart of it boil one ounce of foxglove leaves for ten minutes, then add one ounce tincture of myrrh to the lotion, bathe the affected parts with the lotion warm, then keep a cloth wet with it on the sore, if possible, until cured."
2. Sores and Ulcers, Chickweed Ointment for.—"Chop chickweed and boil in lard, strain and bottle for use." This makes a fine green cooling ointment, It is surprising to see the relief obtained by this simple ointment.
3. Old Sores and Wounds, Healing Ointment for.—
"Honey 4 ounces
Spirits of Turpentine 1/2 ounce
Beeswax 4 ounces
Oil of Wintergreen 1/2 ounce
Tincture of Opium 1 ounce
Fluid Extract Lobelia 1/4 ounce
Lard 3/4 pound
Mix by the aid of gentle heat, stirring well at the same time. This is a very useful ointment for healing wounds and old sores."
4. Sores and Ulcers, Excellent Salve for.—"One tablespoon of melted mutton or even beef tallow while warm; add some spirits of turpentine and one teaspoonful of laudanum, stir well."
5. Ill-Conditioned Sores, an Old German Remedy for.—"Wash or syringe the sore with weak saleratus water, and while wet fill with common black pepper. Remarks:—This is a highly recommended German remedy, and has been tried by my mother with good, results."
6. Sores, Cuts, Antiseptic Wash for; Also Tooth Wash.—"Peroxide of hydrogen. Should always be kept in the house." If you are cut by anything that might cause infection or if scratched by a cat, in fact wherever there is chance for infection and blood poison, peroxide of hydrogen may be used by moistening well the wound with it as soon as you can. As a mouth wash put a little in a glass of water. Directions usually on the bottle.
[SKIN DISEASES 73]
7. Indolent Ulcers and Boils, Chickweed and Wood Sage Poultice for.—"Equal parts of chickweed and wood sage pounded together make a good poultice for all kinds of indolent ulcers and boils."
8. Ulcers, Proud Flesh, Venereal Sores and all Fungus Swellings, Blood Root and Sweet Nitre for.—"Two ounces pulverized blood root; one pint of sweet nitre; macerate for ten days, shake once or twice a day."
9. Rosin 1 ounce
Beeswax 1 ounce
Mutton Tallow 4 ounces
Verdigris 1 dram
Melt the rosin, tallow and wax together, then add the verdigris. Stir until cool and apply.
Add a few drops of carbolic acid to the above and you will have the carbolated salve which is quite expensive when bought prepared and under the manufacturer's label.
10. Sores and Chapped Hands, Sour Cream Salve for.—"Tie thick sour cream in a cloth and bury in the ground over night. In the morning it will be a nice salve. Excellent for chapped hands or anything that requires a soft salve."
11. Old Sores, A Four-Ingredient Remedy for.—"Soften one-half pound of vaselin, stir into it one-half ounce each of wormwood, spearmint and smartweed. This is good for old and new sores. My people near Woodstock, Canada, used this and found it very good."
12. Ulcers and Sores, Carrots will heal.—"Boil carrots until soft and mash them to a pulp, add lard or sweet oil sufficient to keep it from getting hard. Spread and apply; excellent for offensive sores. Onion poultice made the same way is good for slow boils and indolent sores." This makes a very soothing poultice and has great healing properties.
13. Ulcers and Sores, a Remedy that Cures.—"To one-fourth pound of tallow add one-fourth pound each of turpentine and bayberry and two ounces of olive oil. Good application for scrofulous sores and ulcers." This makes a good ointment, but should not be continued too long at a time as the turpentine might have a bad action on the kidneys.
14. Ulcers and Old Sores, Bread and Indian meal for.—"Take bread and milk or Indian meal, make to consistency of poultice with water, stir in one-half cup of pulverized charcoal. Good to clean ulcers and foul sores." The bread and Indian meal make a good poultice while the charcoal is purifying and a good antiseptic.
[74 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Ulcers.—Keep them thoroughly cleaned. A mild, weak, hot solution of salt water is good in chronic, slow healing, indolent ulcers. Carbolated salve applied afterwards is healing. Sometimes a stimulating poultice is necessary, like salt pork followed by soothing salves. If an ulcer looks red and angry, it needs soothing. If there is any "proud flesh" powdered burnt alum applied directly upon it and left on for an hour or two is good. Then soothing salves.
Balsam of Peru is good for chronic ulcers. It stimulates them to a little activity.
A salve made by boiling the inner bark of the common elder, the strained juice mixed with cream or vaselin is a good healing application for ulcers.
Poultice an irritable, tender, painful ulcer with slippery elm bark.
Repeat when necessary.
Indolent Sluggish Ulcer.—This kind needs stimulating, salt solution, or salt pork applied.
Poultice made of sweet clover is well recommended for ulcers. As before stated, the active kind should have soothing treatment. The chronic indolent kind, should be stimulated occasionally and then soothing applications applied.
SHINGLES (Herpes Zoster). Definition.—This is an acute inflammatory disease of the skin, characterized by groups of vesicles upon the inflamed base, distributed along the course of one or more cutaneous (skin) nerves.
Symptoms.—The eruption is preceded by a great deal of neuralgic pain and is almost always one-sided. They first appear as red patches and upon these patches vesicles soon develop (skin elevations with liquid in them); these are separate, size of a pin-head to a coffee bean, swollen with a clear fluid, and clustered in groups of two to a dozen. They may dry up in this stage, or they may fill with pus or run together, forming larger patches; new crops may appear, while the others fade. The vesicles rarely rupture of themselves, but dry into brownish crusts, which drop off leaving a temporary colored skin. It follows the course of a nerve. The most common seat of this disease is over one or more intercostal (between the rib) nerves, extending from the backbone to the breastbone. It also occurs along the side of the face and temple.
Causes.—It is a self-limited disease, runs its course in a few weeks, of nervous origin and may be produced by exposure to weather changes, blows and certain poisons.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Shingles, Herb Remedy for.—1. "Make a solution of yerba rheuma, one ounce to a pint of boiling water, and apply freely to the part several times a day." The yerba rheuma has an astringent action and contracts the tissues, relieving the inflammation of the skin. It also relieves the itching.
[SKIN DISEASES. 75]
2. Shingles, Mercury Ointment for.—"Apply night and morning an ointment from the oleate of mercury." This preparation will be found effective, but care should be taken not to use too much of it, as oleate of mercury is very powerful. It relieves the burning and itching.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Shingles.—Protect the vesicles from rupture or irritation and relieve the pain. Paint the surface with a solution of gun cotton (collodion). Tonics to keep up the strength.
EXCESSIVE SWEATING. (Hyperidrosis).—This is a disorder of the sweat glands in which sweat is thrown out in excessive quantities.
Symptoms.—It may be great only in the armpit where it stains the clothing. When it comes on the hands and feet they may be wet, clammy and have an offensive odor. They may be soaked, inflamed and painful.
Causes.—The local forms may be due to a nervous condition; it is often the result of general debility.
Treatment.—General tonics are needed and those given under anemia, which see. Applications for the local treatment.—Solution of alum applied to the part will act as an astringent.
White oak bark tea is good as anything. It should not be used so strong as to stop sweating entirely. Then follow it with dusting powders of starch or boric acid, containing salicylic acid (two to five per cent). When it occurs upon the feet use the Diachylon ointment. It must be made up fresh in a drug store. This is applied on strips of lint or muslin after the parts have been thoroughly washed and dried; it should be renewed twice daily, the parts being dried with soft towels and then covered with dusting powder, followed by the ointment.
FRECKLES. (Lentigo).—Freckles are an excessive deposit of pigment in the skin.
Causes.—Exposure to the sun's rays aggravates this condition.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Freckles. 1. Freckles, Buttermilk for.—"Buttermilk on the face every night." This is a very simple remedy, and as buttermilk is very easily obtained, anyone troubled with freckles can try this remedy without very much expense. This simple remedy has been known to cure many cases.
2. Freckles, to Remove.—"Nitrate of potash applied to the face night and morning is very good, and the freckles will soon disappear."
3. Freckles, Alcohol and Lemon Juice for.—"Use alcohol and lemon juice freely at night." Lemon juice is very good for the skin if applied frequently.
[76 MOTHERS' REMEDIES.]
4. Freckles, Excellent Lotion for.—
"Rose Water 4 ounces
Alcohol 1/2 ounce
Hydrochloric Acid 1/2 dram
Mix and apply with sponge or cloth three times daily.
5. Freckles, Borax Water for.—"Rain water eight ounces, borax one-half ounce. Mix and dissolve; wash parts twice daily."
6. Freckles, Canadian Remedy for.—"Glycerin, lemon juice, rosewater, equal parts. Apply at night with a soft cloth,"
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Freckles.—They are apt to return on exposure to the sun. The following ointment may be of service. Care should be taken not to blister:
Ammoniated Mercury 1 dram
Subnitrate of Bismuth 1 dram
Glycerin Ointment 1 ounce
Mix and apply every other night.
PRICKLY HEAT RASH.—An acute inflammatory disease of the sweat glands; minute pimples and vesicles develop.
Symptoms.—It occurs upon the body and consists of many pinhead sized bright red pimples and vesicles which are very close together. It appears suddenly, and is usually accompanied by much sweating and subsides in a short time with slight scaling following. There is itching, tingling and burning usually present.
Cause.—Excessive heat in summer in children and weak people.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Prickly Heat, Soda Water for.—"Bathe with saleratus (baking soda) water, dry carefully and apply good talcum powder freely."
2. Prickly Heat, Relief from pain of.—
"Borax Powder 6 drams
Menthol 10 grains
Rose Water 6 ounces
Bathe the parts and between applications dust on lycopodium powder."
The borax powder will be found good to cover the parts and muriate of morphia relieves the pain. The rose water is simply put in to dissolve the other ingredients.
3. Prickly Heat, a Hamilton, Ontario, Mother Found Burnt Cornstarch good for.—"Dust with browned cornstarch. This acts like talcum powder and is not so expensive."
[SKIN DISEASES. 77]
4. Rash, Soothing Ointment for. l.—"Make an ointment of one dram of boric acid powder to one ounce of vaseline. First wash the affected parts with a strong solution of saleratus, then apply the ointment and dust talcum powder over this." The washing with saleratus is very important as this is a good antiseptic and thoroughly cleanses the parts.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Prickly Heat.—It disappears usually in a few days. Tonics for the weak, light clothing, a light nourishing diet and frequent cold bathing. Alcoholic drinks are prohibited. White oak bark tea as a wash for the sweating, followed by dusting powders of starch, oatmeal, and zinc oxide, etc.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Chafing, Fuller's Earth Eases.—"Wash parts well with boracic acid water, then dust with fuller's earth," The boracic water is cleansing and fuller's earth is very healing. This is a very simple but effective remedy.
2. Chafing, Good Home Remedy for.—"Usually all that is required is washing the parts well with castile soap and cold water, and anointing with plain vaselin," This remedy is always at hand, and is one to be relied upon. Vaselin, as we all know, is very healing.
3. Chafing, Borax and Zinc Stops.—"Wash parts frequently with cold water and use the following solution:
Pure Water 2 gills
Powdered Borax 1 teaspoonful
Sulphate of Zinc 1/2 teaspoonful
Apply by means of a soft rag several times daily. After drying the parts well, dust with wheat flour, corn starch or powdered magnesia;"
The above combination is excellent as the water cleanses the parts and the borax and zinc are very soothing and healing.
4. Chafing, Common Flour good to stop.—"Burn common wheat flour until brown. Tie in rag and dust chafed parts."
MOLE. (Naevus).—Mole is a congenital condition of the skin where there is too much pigment in a circumscribed place. It varies in size from a pin-head to a pea or larger. The face, neck and back are their usual abiding place.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Moles.—They should be removed by knife or by electricity. The last is the best, especially for the hairy variety.
Causes.—If they are subject to too much irritation they develop into malignant growth.
ENLARGED NAIL. (Onychauxis).—The nail may become too long, thick or wide. Treatment.—Remove the cause. Trim away the excessive nail tissue with a knife or scissors. In paronychia, inflammation around the nail, pieces of lint or cotton should be inserted between the edge of the nail and the inflamed parts, and wet solution of antiseptics, like listerine or salt water, applied with cloths.
[78 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
INFLAMMATION OF THE NAIL. (Onychia). Treatment.—Cut into the back part if it needs it. That will relieve the tension and pain. Sometimes the nail must be removed. The inflammation is at the base (matrix) of the nail.
LOUSE, Disease of the Skin Produced by.—This is a disease of the skin produced by an animal parasite, the pediculus or louse. There are the head louse, pediculus capitis; the body louse, pediculus corporis; the pubis, (about the genitals) pediculus pubis. The color of lice is white or gray. They multiply very fast, the young being hatched out in about six days and within eighteen days are capable of propagating their same species. The nits are glued to the hair with a substance which is secreted by the female louse.
HEAD LOUSE or Pediculus Capitis. Treatment.—The symptoms are very apparent. Apply pure kerosene, rub it into the hair thoroughly. It can be mixed with an equal part of balsam of peru. It should be left on the scalp for twelve to twenty-four hours and then removed by a shampoo. Other remedies that can be used are, tincture of staphisagria (stavesacre), this can be made into an ointment; or ointment of ammoniated mercury. The dead nits are removed from the hair by dilute acetic acid or vinegar. Cutting the hair is not usually required. An infusion of quassia is good as a wash.
Body Louse or Clothes Louse (Pediculus Corporis).—This parasite lives in the clothes. It is apt to be found in the folds or seams, especially where the clothes come in close contact with the skin, as about the neck, shoulders and waist. This creature visits the body for its meal. They may produce different kinds of skin troubles like eczema, boils, etc.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Lice.—Destroy the lice and their eggs (ova) by thoroughly baking or boiling the clothing. The irritated skin can be healed by soothing applications like vaselin, and oxide of zinc.
(Pediculus Pubis).—Lice on the hair of the pubis or about the genitals. This is the smallest parasite of the three varieties, and it attaches itself firmly to the hair with its head buried in the follicular openings, and it is removed with great difficulty.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Lice.—1. Ointment of mercury, blue ointment. This is to be used frequently. It is rather unclean and may create a severe inflammation so be careful of it.
2. Solution of corrosive sublimate, from one to four grains to one ounce of water. This is good and can be used once or twice a day; rub thoroughly into the parts. It will cause redness and inflammation may follow if too much is used. It is very effective. Kerosene with an equal quantity of balsam of peru is a good remedy.
[SKIN DISEASES 79]
BLISTER DISEASE, (Pemphigus).—This is an acute or chronic skin disease in which there are blisters of various sizes and shapes, and these usually occur in crops.
Symptoms.—The disease may attack any part of the body. The blisters range from the size of a pea to a large egg. They contain at first a clear fluid, which soon becomes cloudy and looks more or less like pus. They last several days and then dry up. They do not rupture of themselves very often. It is not catching.
Causes.—These are obscure and not understood. A low state of the system is usually found.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Blister Disease.—General treatment should be given. Arsenic is the best remedy and can be given in the form of Fowler's solution, five drops after meals at the beginning far an adult. This should be increased until some poisonous symptoms, such as bloating in the face is produced.
Elixir Quinine, Iron and Strychnine is good as a tonic, one teaspoonful after meals. Regulate the diet, give nourishing and easily digested food.
Local Treatment.—Puncture the blisters. Then put on a mild ointment like vaselin; bran and starch baths can be given in some cases. The length of the time of the disease is uncertain.
THE ITCH DISEASE. (Psoriasis) (not Common Itch). Definition.—This is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, in which there appear upon the skin thick, adherent, overlapping, scales of a shiny, whitish color, and these are situated upon a reddish, slightly raised and sharply outlined (defined) base.
Symptoms.—They begin as small reddish spots, sharply defined against the healthy skin. They may be elevated slightly and soon became covered with whitish pearl colored scales. If the scales are picked off, there is left a smooth red surface, and from this, small drops of blood ooze out. No watery or pus-like discharge escapes at any period of this disease. These spots extend at the circumference (periphery), reaching the size of the drops, or of the coins, or they may run together and form ring-shaped, or crooked wavy lines of patches, with a center that is healing up. A few scattered spots may be present, or large areas may be involved. In rare cases the whole skin is affected. These spots or patches may occur an any part of the body, but involve the extending part of the limbs, especially the elbows and knees. There may be slight itching present at times.
Course of the Disease.—It is chronic; patches may continue indefinitely or they may disappear in one place, while new crops appear elsewhere. This disease usually appears far the first time between the ages of ten and fifteen; it may then return at various intervals during a lifetime. It is usually worse during the winter.
[80 MOTHERS' REMEDIES.]
Causes.—Are usually unknown, it may occur in all classes and kinds of people.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Itch Disease.—Remedies for the general symptoms are demanded. The general health must be looked after. Stimulating foods and drinks and the use of tobacco are forbidden.
Arsenic in the form of Fowler's solution from three to ten drops three times a day; or the arsenious acid in pills of 1/50 of a grain three times a day. This medicine must not be used in the acute form, but only in chronic cases.
Local Treatment.—1. Remove the scales first and follow this by stimulating applications unless there is much inflammation. In such cases soothing lotions should be applied. Dr. Schalek of New York, recommends the following:
2. Remove the scales thoroughly with hot water and soap and then apply:
Chrysarobin 1 dram
Ether, Alcohol Equal parts of each and enough
to dissolve the first remedy
Collodion 1 ounce
Mix and apply with a brush to the parts affected.
This solution may cause inflammation and great swelling, and on that account it should not be used on the face, it stains the skin. Dr. Hare recommends a bath only before the application. In that way some scales remain and there is not so much inflammation and swelling resulting. The stain can be removed with a weak solution of chlorinated lime.
3. Tar Remedy.—Tar is also a good remedy in ointment forms. The skin should be closely watched to find out how sensitive it is to the tar's action, not only in this but in all skin diseases. Drugs should be changed occasionally, for they lose their efficiency.
4. Tar and Sulphur Remedy for.—Never use tar on the face, it stains.
Ointment of Tar 1 ounce
Ointment of Sulphur 1 ounce
Mix thoroughly and apply at night.
5. Precipitated Sulphur 6 drams
Tar 6 drams
Green Soap 2 ounces
Lard 2 ounces
Powdered Chalk 4 drams
Apply frequently.
If necessary more lard can be used, especially if the skin is very tender.
[SKIN DISEASES 81]
6. Another good local application. It is composed of the following ingredients:
Resorcinol 1 dram
Zinc Oxide 1 dram
Rose Water Ointment 10 drams
Apply twice a day to the part affected.
After mixing the ointment heat it until the resorcinol crystals melt to prevent any irritation of the skin from them.
Ichthyol 2-1/2 drams
Salicylic Acid 2-1/2 drams
Pyrogallic Acid 2-1/2 drams
Olive Oil 1 ounce
Lanoline 1 ounce
Mix thoroughly and apply.
The result of the disease is always favorable as to life and general health. It yields to treatment, but it has a tendency to recur.
ITCH. Common Itch (Scabies).—Itch is a contagious disease, due to the presence of an animal parasite. There is intense itching in this disease. The parasite seeks the thin, tender regions of the skin, the spaces between the fingers, wrists and forearms, the folds in the arm-pit, the genitals in men and the breasts in women.
Cause.—It is always transmitted by contagion. An intimate and long contact is usually needed. A person occupying the same bed with one who has it is liable to take it. The female parasite lives from six to eight weeks, during which time she lays fifty eggs, which, when hatched out, become impregnated in their turn.
MOTHERS' TREATMENT for Common Itch. 1. Mustard Ointment for.—"Make an ointment of cup of fresh lard (without salt) and a tablespoonful of dry mustard, work to cream and apply." This is very soothing.
2. Itch, Grandmother's Cure for.—"Sulphur and lard mixed; rub on at night, then take a good bath, using plenty of soap, every day." The above ingredients are always easily obtained and anyone suffering with this disease will find relief from the itching by using this remedy. It is very soothing.
3. Itch, Herb Ointment for.—"Mix the juice of scabious with fresh lard and apply as an ointment. A decoction made from the same herb might be taken at the same time to purify the blood. It is always well to take some blood tonic together with any outward application you may use." Some who read the above may know scabious by other names as the "morning bride" or "sweet scabious" or "devil's bit," etc.
4. Itch, Elecampane Root Ointment for.—"Boil elecampane root in vinegar, mix with fresh lard, beating thoroughly." This is an excellent remedy for itch, having a very soothing effect and relieving the itching.
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5. Itch, Oatmeal for.—"A poultice of oatmeal and oil of bays; cures the itch and hard swellings." Oatmeal poultices are more stimulating and draw more rapidly than those made of linseed meal.
6. Itch, a Mother at Parma, Michigan, Sends the Following.—"Make a salve of sulphur and lard and each night apply it to the whole body; also one tablespoonful internally for three mornings, then skip three and so on. This is the only thing I know of that will cure itch. I have tried it with success."
7. Itch, Kerosene for.—"Apply kerosene oil, undiluted, to the parts several times a day. Apply nitrate of mercury ointment to the body."
8. Itch, Splendid Ointment for Common Itch.—
"Lac-Sulphur 160 grains
Napthaline 10 grains
Oil Bergamot 4 drops
Cosmoline 1 ounce
Rub lac-sulphur into fine powder. Sift it into the melted cosmoline and stir until nearly cool, then add napthaline and oil bergamot. Stir until cool."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Itch.—If the skin is much inflamed or irritable, soothing baths and ointments should be used at first. There are three indications to be met in the treatment; first, to destroy the cause, the parasite; second, to cure the result of their work; third, to prevent a return or transmission to others.
First Thing to Do.—Soak the body thoroughly with soap (green soap if you have it) and water, this softens the outer layer (epidermis). This layer covers the female parasite which burrows under it. The male does not burrow and it is therefore easier to kill. Rub the skin thoroughly with a rough towel after the soaking. This rubbing will remove the outer skin scales and with it some of the parasites. The towel should be boiled at once to prevent it from conveying the parasite to others. Then apply the ointment, which, if thoroughly applied, relieves the patient at once. The skin should be well softened and rubbed in order to open every track (burrow) of the parasite. Allow the ointment to remain on all night and use it for three or four nights successively.
Ointments.—1. Simple sulphur ointment alone.
2. Oil of Cale (from Juniper) 1 dram
Sulphur Ointment 2 drams
Lanolin 5 drams
3. Flowers of Sulphur 6 ounces
Oil of Fagi 6 ounces
White Chalk 4 ounces
Green Soap 16 ounces
Lard 16 ounces
Apply at night. This is not so strong.
[SKIN DISEASES 83]
4. For children the following can be used:
Sulphur 1 dram
Balsam Peru 1 dram
Lard 1 ounce
Apply as usual.
5. The following for adults:
Precipitated Sulphur 2 drams
Carbonate of Potash 1 dram
Lard Ointment 1-1/2 ounces
Rub well into the skin.
Second:—Heal the resultant sores with soothing applications like vaselin and a little camphor in it.
Third:—Boil and disinfect all underwear and bedding or any article liable to give an abiding place to the parasite. It is easily cured with proper treatment.
DANDRUFF (Seborrhoea).—The scurfs or scales (dandruff) upon the scalp are formed from seborrhoea.
Definition.—The word seborrboea means to flow suet or fatty fluids. Seborrhoea is a functional disorder of the sebaceous gland (fatty, suet matter) and this secretion is somewhat altered in character.
Varieties.—There are three varieties. These depend upon the character of the material excreted.
1. Oily seborrhoea (seborrhoea oleosa).
2. Dry seborrhoea (seborrhoea sicca).
3. Mixed type of both.
Oily seborrhoea.—Symptoms.—This appears most frequently upon the nose and forehead and sometimes upon the scalp. The skin looks oily, glistening, with the appearance of dust adhering to it. Small drops of oil are seen to ooze out of the follicles and when wiped off it reforms at once. The ducts of the follicles appear gaping or they are plugged with black-heads (comedones). The hair is rendered unusually oily, when it appears on the scalp, and it is especially noticeable on bald heads. It is very common in the negro, almost natural or physiological.
Dry Seborrhoea.—This is a more common form and occurs upon the hairy or non-hairy parts, but chiefly upon the scalp (dandruff). The affected parts are covered with grayish, greasy scales, which are easily dislodged, the skin underneath is oily and slate gray in color. This type of the disease forms one type of dandruff. When it is of long standing the hair becomes dry and falls out.
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Mixed type.—This type is common upon the scalp. The surface is covered, more or less, with scales and crusts. If the disease continues long the hair becomes dry, lusterless and falls out. Permanent baldness may result.
Causes.—These may be constitutional and local. "Green sickness" (chlorosis), disorders of the stomach and bowels are often the cause.
Local.—Uncleanness, lack of care of the scalp, heavy and airtight hats may cause it. Some writers claim parasites are the cause.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—1. Dandruff, Home Preparation from New York State Mother.—"Into one pint of water drop a lump of fresh quick-lime, the size of a walnut; let it stand all night, pour off the clear liquid, strain, and add one gill of the best vinegar, wash the roots of the hair with the preparation. It is a good remedy and harmless."
2. Dandruff, a Barber's Shampoo for.—"Shampoo with the following:
Sassafras 5 cents worth
Salts of Tartar 10 cents worth
Ether 10 cents worth
Castile Soap 5 cents worth
Dissolve the above in one gallon of soft water. Rinse the hair thoroughly and repeat as often as necessary. This recipe was given me by a barber and I find it very good,"
3. Dandruff, Lemon Juice for.—"Cut a lemon in two, loosen the hair and rub the lemon into the scalp. Do this in the evening before retiring, for about a week, then stop for a few nights, then use for another week, and so on until cured."
4. Falling Hair, a Brook, Ontario, Lady Prevents.—"Garden sage, make a quart sage tea, add equal parts (a teaspoonful) of salt, borax and rosewater, and one-half pint of bay rum. Wet the head with this every night."
5. Hair Restoratives, Simple and Harmless.—"A simple and harmless "invigorator" is as follows:
Cologne Water 2 ounces
Tincture of Cantharides 2 drams
Oil of Lavender 10 drops
Oil of Rosemary 10 drops
Use twice daily. If it makes the scalp a tittle sore, discontinue for a short time."
6. Dandruff, Talcum Powder an Excellent Remedy for.—"Take talcum powder and sprinkle in the hair thoroughly, then brush," This is a very good remedy.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Dandruff.—If there are general diseases, they should be treated.
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Local—In mild cases, shampooing with hot water and a good soap may be sufficient when the scales and crusts are thick and abundant; first soften them with olive oil and then remove them with hot water and green soap.
After the scalp has been cleaned, the remedies should be applied. The remedies should be thoroughly rubbed in and applied in the form of ointments or lotions and used once daily. Cutting the hair may be necessary. The odor of sulphur may be overcome by the use of perfume. If the scalp becomes too dry after shampooing some oil should first be applied, whatever application is used afterwards.
Remedies.—Resorcin, sulphur, salicylic acid, in combination with other ingredients. Some favorite prescriptions are now given:
1. Resorcin 1 to 2 drams Pure Castor Oil 1 dram Alcohol 2 ounces
Mix and rub well into the scalp.
2. Precipitated Sulphur 1 dram
Salicylic Acid 15 grains
Ointment Petrolatum 1 ounce
3. Washed Sulphur 4 drams
Castor Oil 10 drams
Oil of Cocoa 1 ounces
Balsam of Peru 1/2 ounce
Apply twice daily.
4. Carbolic Acid 20 drops to 1 dram
Oil of Almonds 4 drams
Oil of Lemon 1 dram
Distilled Water, enough to make 2 ounces
Apply after washing.
The oily type is best treated with lotions and powders. The disease is very obstinate, but generally gets well.
WEN (Sebaceous Cyst. Steatoma).—A wen varies in size from a millet seed to an egg, and it is due to the distention of a sebaceous gland by its retained secretions. They occur most commonly on the scalp, face and back. They cause no pain, grow slowly, and after they have grown to a certain size remain stationary for an indefinite time. Sometimes they become inflamed and ulcerate.
Treatment.—Make a free cut and take the mass out. Its covering (capsule) or sac must be removed at the same time, for if any of this membrane (capsule) is left it will fill up again. Equal parts of fine salt and the yolk of an egg beaten together and applied continuously will eat the skin open and the mass can then be taken out. This is quite painful and takes several days, while with the knife there is little pain if cocaine is injected and it will all be over in a few minutes.
[86 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
RINGWORM (Tinea Trichophytina).—Ringworm is a contagious disease of the skin, produced by the presence of a vegetable parasite. The disease affects the hair follicles of the scalp and the beard, and also of the portions of the body that, seemingly at least, have no hair.
Varieties.—Ringworm affecting the body called Tinea Circinata. Ringworm affecting the scalp called Tinea Tonsurans. Ringworm affecting the beard, etc., Tinea Barbae (barbers' itch).
Ringworm of the Body.—This type of ringworm usually begins as one or several round, somewhat raised and very small, defined congested spots and these are covered with a few branny scales. The disease extends from the circumference and, while healing in the center, assumes a shape like a ring and these rings may become as large as a silver dollar and remain the same size for months or years, or they may go together (coalesce) to form circle (gyrate) patches. Vesicle and pimples frequently crop out at the circumference.
Mothers' Remedies for Ringworm.—1. Gunpowder and Vinegar for.—"Make a paste of gunpowder and vinegar and apply. Sometimes one application will be sufficient; if not, repeat."
2. Ringworm, Cigar Ashes for.—"Wet the sore and cover with cigar ashes. Repeat frequently. This will cure if taken in time." This is a very simple and effective remedy. Cigar ashes are always easy to obtain and if applied to the ringworm at the very beginning, the nicotine in the tobacco will draw out the soreness and relieve the inflammation.
3. Ringworm, Kerosene for.—"Apply kerosene with the finger or a cloth several times a day."
4. Ringworm, Ontario Mother Cured Boy of.—"Wash head with vinegar and paint with iodine to kill germ. Cured a neighbor's boy."
5. Ringworm, Another from a Mother at Valdosta, Georgia.—"Burdock root and vinegar." Take the dock root and steep it the same as any ordinary herb tea, then add your vinegar, making the proportions about half and half. Apply this to the affected part.
6. Ringworm, Egg Skin Remedy for.—"Take the inner skin of an egg and wrap around it, and cover with a piece of cloth."
7. Ringworm, from a Mother at Owosso. Michigan.—"Take gunpowder and wet it and put it on the sores," This remedy has been tried a great many times and always gives relief when taken right at the beginning. So many people will wait, thinking the ringworm will disappear of its own accord, instead of giving some simple home remedy like the above a trial.
[SKIN DISEASES 87]
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Ringworm.—1. For infants and children simpler remedies should be used at first. Scrub each patch with tincture of green soap, or merely good soap and water may be employed. Then apply tincture of iodine to the patches, once or twice a day, enough to irritate the patches. Dilute acetic acid, or dilute carbolic acid will do the same work. A ten per cent solution of sodium hyposulphite is a good remedy also.
2. Corrosive sublimate, one to four grains to the ounce of water, is very good to put on the patches. For children the strength should be about one-half grain to the ounce.
3. Ammoniated mercury is also very good to put on. Sometimes a combination of remedies will do better, as follows:
Milk of Sulphur 2-1/2 drams
Spirits of Green Soap 6 drams
Tincture of Lavender 6 drams
Glycerin 1/2 dram
4. Pure Iodine 2 ounces
Oil of Tar 1 ounce
Mix with care gradually.
5. Creasote 20 drops
Oil of Cadini 3 drams
Precipitated Sulphur 3 drams
Bicarbonate Potash 1 dram
Lard 1 ounce
Mix, to be used in obstinate cases in adults.
Ringworm of the Scalp.—Cautions and Treatment.—Be careful that others do not catch it from you. Separate the child affected. Cleanse the diseased parts from time to time by shampooing with a strong soap. The hair over the whole scalp should be clipped short and the affected parts shaved, or if allowed, the hairs in the affected parts pulled out. The remedies are then applied if possible in the shape of ointments, which are thoroughly rubbed in. Vaselin and lanolin are better as a base for the medicine, as they penetrate deeper. Following remedies are the most valuable:
1. Carbolic acid, one to two drams to glycerin one ounce.
2. Oleate of mercury, strength ten to twenty per cent.
3. Sulphur Ointment, ten to twenty per cent strength.
4. Tincture of Iodine.
This variety lasts longer than the ringworms on the body, months sometimes are required to cure it.
BARBER'S ITCH (Ringworm of the Beard).—Mother's Remedies. 1. Standard Remedy for.—"Plain vaselin two ounces, venice turpentine one-half ounce, red precipitate one-half ounce. Apply locally. Great care should be taken not to expose affected parts to cold and draughts while ointment is in use, especially if affected surface is large." The above is a standard remedy and will be found very effective in all cases of barber's itch. The vaselin will assist in healing the sores and softening up the scabs.
[88 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
2. Barber's Itch, Healing Ointment for.—"Plain vaselin four ounces, sulphur two ounces, sal-ammoniac powder two drams. Mix and apply daily after cleansing the parts thoroughly with castile soap and soda water. This is also an almost infallible cure for common itch." The vaselin is very good and healing, while the sulphur has a soothing effect and is a good antiseptic.
3. Barber's Itch, Reliable Remedy for.—"Citrine ointment one dram, vaselin or cosmolin one ounce. Mix thoroughly. Wash the affected parts clean and apply this ointment on a soft rag three times a day." This is a standard remedy and one to be relied upon. It is very soothing and has great healing properties.
4. Barber's Itch, Sulphur and Lard for.—"Sulphur and lard mixed together and applied three or four times a day. Have found this to be the best of anything ever used for barber's itch." This remedy will be found very good if the case is not very severe. If the face is covered with sores, filled with pus and of long standing a stronger treatment should be used. See other Mothers' Remedies, also Doctors' Treatment.
5. Barber's Itch, Cuticura Ointment for.—"Apply cuticura ointment to the sores, and as it draws out the water press a clean cloth against the sore to absorb the water. This will generally draw the water out in three or four days."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Barber's Itch.—Pulling out the hairs or close shaving every day. Keep the affected parts soaking with olive oil for two successive days. The evening of the third day the shampoo is employed, the skin is washed free from crusts and scales, shave cleanly. After shaving bathe the parts for ten minutes with borated water, as hot as can be borne; while this is being done, all pustules or points where there is a mucous fluid coming out to the surface are opened with a clean needle. Sponge freely over the affected surface with a strong solution of hyposulphite of sodium for several minutes and not allow it to dry; this solution may contain one dram and perhaps more to the ounce. After a thorough and final washing with hot water, the tender skin is carefully dried and gently smeared with a sulphur ointment containing one to two drams of sulphur to the ounce of vaselin, often with the addition of from one-quarter to one-half grain of mercuric sulphide. In the morning wash the ointment off with soap and water, the sodium solution is reapplied and a borated or salicylated powder is thoroughly dusted and kept over the parts during the day and apply ointment at night. The shaving must be repeated at least the next day. As soon as there are no pustules (lumps), or they have diminished in size, the ointment at night is superseded by the use of the dusting powder. The washing with very hot water and with the solution hyposulphite is continued nightly, when the inflammation excited by the parasite is limited to the follicles that are invaded. Continue the dusting powder after the ointment is discontinued.
[SKIN DISEASES 89]
WART (Verucca). Mothers' Remedies.—1. An Application for, also Good for Cuts and Lacerations.—"Make a lotion of ten drops tincture of marigold to two ounces of water and apply." This is also good for severe cuts and lacerations. It may be applied by cloths or bandages if the case requires.
2. Warts, Match and Turpentine Wash.—"Dissolve matches in turpentine and apply to wart three or four times," This preparation helps to eat them away and if kept on too long is apt to produce a sore; care should therefore be taken in using this remedy.
3. Warts, Muriate of Ammonia for.—"Take a piece of muriate of ammonia, moisten and rub on the wart night and morning; after a week's treatment the wart, if not extra large, will disappear."
4. Warts, Turpentine for.—"Rub frequently with turpentine for a few days and they will disappear. This is a very simple remedy, but a good one, and worth trying if you are afflicted with warts."
5. Warts, to Remove.—"The juice of the marigold frequently applied is effectual in removing them. Or wash them with tincture of myrrh."
6. Warts, Milkweed Removes.—"Let a drop of the common milkweed soak into the wart occasionally, the wart will loosen and fall out. This can be applied as often as convenient; here in Canada we do not have to go far to get a plant."
7. The following is a good application:
Salicylic Acid 1/2 dram
Cannabis Indicia 5 grains
Collodion 1 ounce
Mix and apply to the wart.
Tincture of thuja is very good in some cases when applied daily.
HIVES, Nettle Rash (Urticaria). Causes.—Foods such as shell fish, strawberries, cheese, pickles, pork and sausages.
Medicines that may cause it.—Quinine, copaiba, salicylic acid, etc.
Disorders of the stomach and bowels. Insects, like mosquito, bedbug, etc.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—1. Hives or Nettle Rash, Slippery Elm.—"Slippery elm used as a wash and taken as a drink." Slippery elm is especially good for any skin disease, as it is very soothing to the parts and relieves the itching. If taken as a drink it acts on the kidneys and bowels, throwing off all the impurities.
2. Hives or Nettle Rash, External and Internal Home Medicine for.—"Bathe with weak solution of vinegar. Internal remedy; sweet syrup of rhubarb with small lump of saleratus (size of a pea) dissolved in it. This dose was given to a two-year-old child." The rhubarb helps to rid the stomach and bowels of its impurities, relieving the disease, as hives are usually due to some disorder of the kidneys and bowels.
[90 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
3. Hives or Nettle Rash, Tea and Powder for.—"Rub with buckwheat flour; this will relieve the itching almost immediately. Sassafras tea is a good internal remedy."
4. Hives or Nettle Rash, Catnip Tea for.—"Boil catnip leaves to make a tea, slightly sweeten and give about six or eight teaspoonfuls at bed time and keep patient out of draughts." The tea can be taken throughout the day also. If taken hot on going to bed it causes sweating and care should be taken not to catch cold while the pores are opened.
5. Hives or Nettle Rash, Mother from Buckhorn, Florida, says following is a sure Cure for.—"Grease with poplar bud stewed down until strong; take out buds, add one teaspoonful lard, stew all the water out. Grease and wrap up in wool blanket."
6. Hives or Nettle Rash, from a Mother at New Milford, Pennsylvania.—"One tablespoonful castor oil first. Then put one tablespoonful salts and cream tartar in glass of water; take one spoonful before eating. Have used this and found it excellent." The castor oil acts on the bowels and the cream of tartar on the blood.
7. Hives or Nettle Rash, Buttermilk for.—"Buttermilk applied two or three times a day. Found this to be good for nettle rash." Buttermilk is very soothing and will relieve the itching. This is an old tried remedy.
8. Hives or Nettle Rash, Baking Soda Wash for.—"Make a strong solution of common baking soda, about three teaspoonfuls to pint of water. Sponge or bathe body thoroughly." Any mother who has a child in the house knows how valuable baking soda is in case of burns, on account of its cooling properties. For this same reason it will be found excellent for above disease, as it will relieve the itching and is very soothing. Good for children if used not quite as strong.
9. Hives or Nettle Rash, Canada Blue Clay for.—"Mix up blue clay and water to make a paste. Leave until dry and then wash off."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Hives or Nettle Rash.—Remove causes. Bowels and kidneys should act freely. Abstain from eating for a day or two if necessary.
For the Itching.—Diluted vinegar, applied is effective. Also camphor.
Cream of Tartar 2 ounces
Epsom Salts 2 ounces
Take three or four teaspoonfuls to move the bowels, or one teaspoonful every three hours if the bowels are regular enough. For a child one year old, give one teaspoonful in water every three hours until the bowels move freely.
SUNBURN.—When severe, sunburn may present the symptoms of inflammation of the skin. Then there will be redness, swelling and pain followed by deep discoloration of the skin.
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MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Sunburn.—1. Lemon Juice and Vinegar for.—"An application of the juice of a lemon or vinegar."
2. Sunburn, Ammonia Water for.—"Ammonia will remove sunburn in one night." Care should be taken in using this remedy. The ammonia should be diluted half with water and not used too often.
3. Sunburn, Relief from Pain and Smarting of.—"Benzoated zinc ointment or vaselin applied to the affected parts is sure to give relief and avoid much pain and smarting."
4. Sunburn, Preparation for.—"I have found nothing better than mentholatum." Mentholatum is simply a mixture of vaselin or cosmolin and menthol. They are both very healing, and will be found beneficial.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Sunburn.—Soothing ointments and dusting powders are generally sufficient for sunburn. Talcum powder (Mennen's borated), rice powder, oatmeal powders are good and healing. The following are good:
1. Oxide of Zinc Powder 1/2 ounce
Powdered Camphor 1-1/2 dram
Powdered Starch 1 ounce
Mix. Dust on the parts.
2. Powdered Starch 1 ounce Powdered Camphor 1 dram
Well mixed and applied is soothing to the parts.
3. The following is a good combination:
Carbonate of Lead 1 dram
Powdered Starch 1 dram
Ointment of Rose Water 1 ounce
Olive Oil 2 drams
Mix and apply to the inflamed skin.
GANGRENE.—This is the death of a part of the body in mass. There are two forms, moist and dry.
Dry Gangrene.—This is a combination produced by a loss of water from the tissues. The skin becomes dark and wrinkled and is often hard, like leather. Senile or old age gangrene, and really due to the arterial sclerosis, usually occurs in the lower extremities, involving the toes. A slight injury may first start up the trouble. The pain in this variety is not usually great.
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MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—1. Gangrene, Remedy from New York that cured a Gangrenous Case.—"A man aged 74 years had a sore below the knee for fifteen years; at last gangrene appeared in his foot and three physicians pronounced his case hopeless on account of his age. I was called as a neighbor and found the foot swollen to twice its natural size, and the man in pain from head to foot. I ordered cabbage leaves steamed until wilted, then put them over the limb from knee to foot and covered with a cloth. In about fifteen minutes they were black, so we removed them and put on fresh ones, repeating the change until the leaves did not turn black. Then the sore was thoroughly cleansed with a weak solution of saleratus and while wet was thickly covered with common black pepper and wrapped up. The saleratus water and pepper was changed night and morning until the sore was entirely healed. After the third day this man had no pain, and in four weeks was entirely healed. A year later he said he had never had any trouble with it or with rheumatism which he had had for years before."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Gangrene.—The skin should be treated. Poultices sometimes may be good, or bottles of hot water around the parts. A general tonic should be given.
Moist Gangrene. Causes.—Wounds, fractures, injuries, pressure from lying in bed and frost bite.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Moist Gangrene.—Remove the cause if possible. This kind is more dangerous, and a physician should be called as the best treatment that can be given is none too good.
BLISTER.—This is a watery elevation of the outer skin. It is caused by rubbing, for instance of a shoe, friction from anything, or from burns. It frequently appears on the hands after working for some time at manual labor, when the hands are not accustomed to work. It is the common blister which hardly needs much describing.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Blister.—1. Linseed Oil for.—"Linseed oil used freely." This is a very good remedy because it is soothing. Any good soothing lotion or salve that will draw out the soreness and pain is helpful.
2. Blister. A Method of Raising a Blister.—"If a blister is needed take an ordinary thick tumbler, rub alcohol inside and around the rim, then invert over a piece of cotton, saturated with alcohol and ignited; after a few minutes the glass may be removed and clapped on the surface of the body. As the glass contains rarified air the flesh will be drawn up into it and a blister formed."
IVY POISONING.—The parts usually affected are the hands, face, the genitals, the arms, the thighs and neck.
Symptoms.—These usually appear soon. Red patches, with scanty or profuse watery pimples, with a watery discharge after bursting. There is swelling, intense burning and itching. The parts sometimes swell very much and look watery. The person can hardly keep from scratching.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—1. Ivy Poisoning, Buttermilk and Copperas for.—"Wash in copperas and buttermilk three or four times a day. Have seen this used and it helped." The copperas and buttermilk is very good when applied to the parts immediately after the poison is discovered. The copperas acts very much like sugar of lead and in some cases is very much more effective.
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2. Ivy Poisoning, Cure for.—
"Bromine 10 to 20 drops
Olive Oil 1 ounce
Mix. Rub the mixture gently into the affected parts three or four times a day. The bromine being volatile the solution should be freshly made."
This remedy is frequently used by physicians, and is very effective.
CHAPPED HANDS AND FACE. Mothers' Remedies.—1. Chapped Hands, Quince Seed Cream for.—"Soak one teaspoonful of quince seeds in one cup warm water over night. Strain through a cloth and add one ounce glycerin, five cents' worth bay rum, and perfume if you choose."
2. Chapped Hands, Soothing Lotion for.—"Bathe them in soft water using ivory soap and Indian meal; when dry bathe in vinegar. Have tried this treatment and my hands feel soft and easy after treatment." It would be best to dilute the vinegar with water one-half.
3. Chapped Hands, Glycerin for.—"Use glycerin freely." Glycerin is very irritating to some people, then again it works like a charm. You can tell only by trying it.
4. Chapped Hands, Carbolic Salve for.—"We always use a good carbolic salve for these, as we have found nothing better for sores of any kind." A few drops of carbolic acid added to any good salve will give you the above.
5. Chapped Hands, Glycerin and Lemon Juice for.—"Two-thirds glycerin, one-third lemon juice, mix well together; apply nights."
6. Chapped Hands, Camphor Ice for.—"Camphor ice." Apply frequently after thoroughly washing and drying the hands.
7. Chapped Hands, Remedy from a New York Lady.—
Glycerin 4 ounces
Cologne 2 ounces
Benzoin 1/2 ounce
Rain water 1 pint
Mix thoroughly and apply to the hands after washing.
This remedy has also been used for years by a friend, and we have proved it good. If applied frequently during the winter the hands will not chap."
8. Chapped Hands, Rose Cream for.—"Get ten cents' worth of rose water, five cents' worth of glycerin and the juice of one lemon. Mix and rub on the affected parts,"
9. Chapped Hands, Preventive for.—"A little diluted honey or almond oil will restore softness and prevent chapping."
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10. Chapped Hands or Face, from a Twin Falls Idaho, Mother.—"One-fourth ounce gum tragacanth dissolved in one and half pints of soft water; then add ounce each of alcohol, glycerin and witch-hazel, also a little perfume. I find this one of the best remedies I ever used for sore or chapped hands."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Chapped Hands.—
1. Subnitrate of Bismuth 3 drams Oleate of Zinc 3 drams Lycopodium 2 drams
Mix. Apply to the parts three times daily.
2. Powdered camphor mixed with vaselin is healing.
3. Ointment of water of roses (cold cream) is a soothing application. It can be improved by adding a little glycerin and benzoic acid—this keeps it sweet in warm weather.
4. Powdered zinc oxide, or starch as a dusting powder.
FACE CREAMS, Mothers' Preparations.—l. Cream of Pond Lilies.—"This agrees especially well with oily skins; will keep indefinitely.
Orange Flower Water, triple 6 ounces
Deodorized Alcohol 1-1/2 ounces
Bitter Almonds, blanched
and beaten in a mortar 1 ounce
White Wax 1 dram
Spermaceti 1 dram
Oil of Benne 1 dram
Shaving Cream 1 dram
Oil of Bergamot 12 drops
Oil of Cloves 6 drops
Oil of Neroli Bigrade 6 drops
Borax 1/5 ounce
Dissolve the borax in the orange flower water, slightly warmed. Mix the wax, spermaceti, oil of benne and shaving cream in a bainmaire, at gentle heat. Then stir in the perfumed water and almonds. Strain through a clean muslin strainer, place in a mortar and while stirring gradually work in the alcohol in which the oils have been previously dissolved."
2. Face Cream, When Facing our North Winds, in Canada, I Use this.—"Honey, almond meal, and olive oil to form paste. Use after getting skin cleaned. I used it myself and find it good when going out driving."
3. Face Cream, Lanolin Cream.—
Lanolin 1 ounce
Sweet Almond Oil 1/2 ounce
Boric Acid 40 drops
Tincture of Benzoin 10 drops
This is a good skin food to be rubbed into the skin with the tips of the fingers."
4. Face Cream, Cucumber Lotion.—
"Expressed Juice of cucumbers 1/2 pint
Deodorized Alcohol 1-1/2 ounces
Oil of Benne 3-1/4 ounces
Shaving Cream 1 dram
Blanched Almonds 1-3/4 drams
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The preparation of this is the same as for almond lotion. It is an excellent cosmetic to use in massaging the face and throat, as it not only tones any relaxed tissues, but also may be used to cleanse the skin during the day. A complexion brush is an excellent investment; one should be chosen that has fine camel's hair bristle's. It should be used in connection with good soap."
5. Face Cream, Almond Lotion to Whiten and Soften the Skin.—
"Bitter Almonds, blanched and beaten 4 ounces
Orange Flower Water 12 ounces
Curd Soap (or any fine toilet soap) 1/2 ounce
Oil of Bergamot 50 drops
Oil of Cannelle 10 drops
Oil of Almonds 20 drops
Alcohol (65% solution) 4 ounces
Powder or break up the soap; dissolve in the orange flower water by heating in a bain-maire, gradually work almonds into the soap and water. Strain and finish as directed above. This is a bland lotion, very cleansing, whitening and softening."
6. Face Cream. the Cold Ontario Wind Harmless When Using this.—"Wash in warm water, rub face dry with corn-meal. This takes place of bottle cream."
FROST BITES.—Keep the patient in a cold atmosphere, or put into a cold bath and the frozen part rubbed with snow or ice until sensation is felt and color returns; then discontinue the rubbing and apply ice water compresses. Stimulants such as brandy, coffee and hot drinks are given, but external heat is only gradually permitted, for the circulation returns very slowly to the frost-bitten parts, and in trying to hasten it, we run the risk of producing or, at least, increasing the tendency to gangrene of the frozen parts.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—l. Frost Bites. Remedy from Northern New York.—"Soak the parts affected in kerosene oil; this will soon draw out the frost."
2. Frost Bites, Roasted Turnips for.—"Roasted turnips bound to the parts frosted." This is a very soothing application, but should not be put on warm. Cold applications are what are needed in frost bites.
[Transcriber's Note: From the Mayo Clinic (2005): 1. Get out of the cold. 2. Warm hands by tucking them into your armpits. If your nose, ears or face is frostbitten, warm the area by covering it with dry, gloved hands. 3. Don't rub the affected area, especially with snow. 4. If there's any chance of refreezing, don't thaw out the affected areas. If they're already thawed out, wrap them up so they don't refreeze. 5. Get emergency medical help if numbness remains during warming. If you can't get help immediately, warm severely frostbitten hands or feet in warm—not hot—water.]
BUNIONS.—This is a lump over a joint usually of the big toe, usually due to pressure and a wrong position of the surfaces of the joint.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—1. Bunions, Remedy from Your Flower Garden.—"Peel the outside skin from the leaf of 'Live Forever' and apply as a poultice. Repeat until cured. This is a very good remedy and one that should be tried if you are troubled with bunions or corns."
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2. Bunions, A Cure for.—
"Tincture of Iodine 2 drams
Tincture of Belladonna 2 drams
Apply twice a day with camel's hair brush."
This mixture when applied will have a drawing effect, and care should be taken not to leave it on too long, as it will irritate the parts and make it very sore.
3. Bunions, Iodine for.—"Apply tincture of iodine to the bunion night and morning. This will reduce size; if used at first will entirely remove."
4. Bunions, Tested Remedy for.—"Take about one teaspoonful salicylic acid in two tablespoons of lard, and apply night and morning. Before doing this apply adhesive plasters to the affected parts." This is a standard remedy.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Bunions.—Rest of the part, cold applications and liniments.
CHILBLAINS. (Erythema Pernio).—This occurs usually in people with a feeble circulation or scrofulous constitution, usually seen in the young or very old. The redness shows most, as a rule, on the hands and feet. The redness may be either a light or dusky shade. It itches and burns especially when near artificial heat. The redness disappears on pressure, and the parts are cool rather than hot. It is an inflammation that follows freezing or a frost-bite. It may return for years at the return of cold weather.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Chilblains, a Cure for.—"Equal parts of extract of rosemary and turpentine. Apply night and morning until cured." The rosemary is very soothing, and the turpentine creates a drawing sensation. It has cured many cases of chilblains.
2. Chilblains, Witch-hazel for.—"Bathe feet in lukewarm water and soda and apply carbolized witch-hazel." This remedy is very soothing, and always give relief.
3. Broken Chilblains, Ointment for.—
"Sweet Oil 1/2 pint
Venice Turpentine 1-1/2 ounce
Fresh Lard 1/4 pound
Beeswax 1-1/2 ounce
Simmer gently together in a pan water bath until the beeswax is melted, stirring until cool. When it is ready for use apply on going to bed on a soft rag."
4. Chilblains, Vinegar Cure.—"Soak the feet in a weak solution of vinegar, then rub good with vaselin or oil."
5. Chilblains, Home-made Salve for.—
Fresh Lard 2 ounces
Venice Turpentine 1/2 ounce
Gum Camphor 1/2 ounce
Melt together, stirring briskly. When cold it is ready for use.
6. Chilblains, Common Glue for.—"Put a little common (dissolved) glue in hot water and soak the feet in it. Repeat if necessary." This is very good and gives relief.
[Illustration: Hearth, Stomach and Appendix]