Care of the Nails.—Relief from a blood blister under the nail is secured by boring a small hole through the nail with the sharp point of a sterilized penknife (page 38). This simple bit of surgery not only relieves the pain, but is frequently the only means of saving the nail. Ingrown toe nails are relieved by scraping a broad strip in the middle of the nail until very thin. This relieves the pressure, preventing the sides of the nail from being forced into the toe. While the finger nails should be trimmed in a curve, corresponding to the end of the finger, it is recommended that the toe nails be cut straight across (Fig. 124), as this method diminishes the pressure from the shoe and keeps the nails from ingrowing. Shoes that pinch the toes should, of course, not be worn (page 238).
Fig. 124—Proper method of trimming nails of toes.
Care of the Hair.—Occasional washing of the hair is beneficial, but too much wetting causes decay of the hair roots, which leads to its falling out. The worst enemy of the hair is dandruff. A method of removing dandruff which is highly recommended is that of rubbing olive oil[pg 277] into the scalp and later of removing this with a cleansing shampoo. The olive oil is placed on the scalp with a medicine dropper and thoroughly rubbed in with the fingers. After three or four hours the hair is washed with soap and water (any good toilet soap will do) and rinsed with pure water. The hair is then dried, the surplus water being removed with a coarse towel. Where the dandruff is very troublesome, this treatment may be given once or twice a week; but in mild cases once a month is sufficient. Massage of the scalp, by increasing the circulation at the hair roots, is beneficial, but irritation by a fine-tooth comb, a stiff hair brush, or by other means should be avoided. Frequent brushing and combing, however, are necessary both for the good appearance of the hair and for spreading the oil secreted by the glands at the hair roots.
Summary.—The skin forms the external covering of the body and also serves additional purposes. It is a most important agency in adapting the body to its physical surroundings, as shown by the part which it plays in the regulation of the body temperature. The skin should be kept clean and active, and skin wounds, even though small, should be guarded against infection.
Exercises.—1. Name an example of each of the protective coverings of the body.
2. Compare the dermis and the epidermis with reference to thickness, composition, and function.
3. To what is the color of the skin due? How is the color of the skin affected by the sunlight?
4. What modifications of the epidermis are found on our bodies? What are found on the body of a chicken?
5. What different kinds of protection are provided by the skin?