CHAPTER XXXIV.
HYGIENE OF THE SKIN, CONTINUED.
685. Bathing, its necessity and expediency, is obvious from the structure and the functions of the skin. The cuticle is cast off in minute, powdery scales, many of which are retained upon the surface by the pressure of clothing. These mingle with the oily and saline products of the skin, and form a thin crust. This crust, on account of its adhesiveness, collects particles of dust and soot from the atmosphere, and particles of foreign matter from our dress; so that in the course of the day the whole body becomes coated with impurities. If this coating remains, becomes thick and established upon the skin, it will produce the following effects:—
686. 1st. The pores will be obstructed, consequently transpiration impeded, and the influence of the skin as an excretory entirely prevented. When the pores are obstructed, and transpiration is checked, the elements of the transpired fluids will necessarily be retained in the system; and, as they are injurious and poisonous if retained, they must be removed by those organs whose functions in the animal economy are similar, as the lungs, kidneys, liver, intestines, &c.
687. When these organs are called upon to perform their offices, and in addition that of another, the healthy equilibrium is destroyed, and the oppressed organ will suffer from exhaustion, and become the prey of disease. Thus, obviously, habits of uncleanliness are a cause of consumption and other serious 312 diseases of the vital organs. Again, obstruction of the pores will prevent respiration through the skin, thus depriving the blood of one source of its oxygen, and one outlet of its carbonic acid, which will diminish the temperature of the system, and the same results follow as when the clothing is inadequate.
685. Show the necessity for bathing. 686. What effect upon the body if the pores of the skin are obstructed? 687. What is the effect when an organ not only performs its own specific function, but that of another?
688. 2d. The retained perspirable matter will irritate the skin, both mechanically and chemically; and this membrane will be kept damp and cold, from attraction and detention of moisture; and foreign material, as before adverted to, once removed from the system, may be reconveyed into it by absorption. As a consequence, cutaneous eruptions and diseases will be produced, and the re-absorption of matter once separated from the system, will be the exciting cause of other injurious disorders.
689. 3d. A film of foreign substance on the skin will inevitably become the seat of detention of miasmata and infectious vapors. These will remain until absorbed, and engender the diseases of which they are the peculiar cause. This is one reason why filthy persons contract infectious diseases more frequently than individuals of cleanly habits.
690. Bathing is useful to promote cleanliness. In this capacity, it enables us to remove the coating of impurities from the exterior of our persons. It effects this purpose by dissolving saline matters, and holding in temporary suspension those substances which are insoluble.
691. The cuticle is composed of a substance resembling the dried white of egg, or, in a word, albumen. This is soluble in alkalies, and these are the agents which are commonly employed for purifying the skin. Soap is a compound of the alkali soda with oil, the former being in excess. When used 313 for washing, the excess of alkali combining with the oily fluid, with which the skin is naturally bedewed, removes it, in the form of an emulsion, and with it a portion of any adhering matter. Another portion of the alkali softens and dissolves the superficial layer of the cuticle; and when this is removed the cuticle is free from impurities.