HYGIENE OF THE SKIN.
657. The sensibility of the skin, and the activity of the oil and perspiratory glands, are modified by the condition of the cuticle, the temperature of the skin and body, the purity and warmth of the air, and the character of the light to which the body is exposed. Thus, to maintain a healthy action of every part of this membrane, attention should be given to Clothing, Bathing, Light, and Air.
658. Clothing, in itself, does not bestow heat, but is chiefly useful in preventing the escape of heat from the body, and in defending it from the temperature of the atmosphere. In selecting and applying clothing to our persons, the following suggestions should be observed.
659. The material for clothing should be a bad conductor of heat; that is, it should have little tendency to conduct or remove heat from the body. This depends mainly on the property possessed by the material in retaining atmospheric air in its meshes.
660. The material for clothing should not possess the property of absorbing and retaining moisture. Dampness, or moisture, renders apparel a good conductor of heat; beside, if the perspired fluid, and the saline material it holds in solution, are readily absorbed by the clothing, they become 302 sources of irritation to the skin with which the apparel comes in contact.
657–716. Give the hygiene of the skin. 657. What influences modify the action of the oil and perspiratory glands? To what must attention be given to maintain a healthy action of the skin? 658. What is said in regard to the clothing? 659. Mention a property that the material for clothing should possess. 660. What property in the selection of clothing should we avoid? Why?
661. Furs contain a greater amount of air in their meshes, than any other article, and they absorb no moisture; consequently, as an article of dress, they are best adapted to those who are exposed to great vicissitudes of heat and cold.
662. Woollen cloth retains more air in its meshes than any other article except furs and eider down, and it absorbs but very little moisture. These properties, together with its comparative cheapness, render it a good article of apparel for all classes of persons. The only objection to its general use is, the disturbance of the electricity of the system, and the irritation to delicate skins from the roughness of its fibres.
Observation. Flannels are not only beneficial, during the cold season, in preventing colds and rheumatism, but they are of great utility in the warm season, in shielding the system from the chills at evening, that induce disease of the alimentary canal. Their general use among children and delicate females, would be a preventive of the “season complaints” prevalent in the months of August and September.
663. Cotton contains less air in its meshes than woollen, but much more than linen. In texture, it is smoother than wool, and less liable to irritate the skin. This fabric absorbs moisture in a small degree. In all respects, it is well adapted for garments worn next the skin. When woollen flannels irritate the skin, they may be lined with cotton.