380. Another cure for Ring-worms.—To one part of sulphuric acid, add about twenty parts of water. Use a brush or feather, and apply it to the part, night and morning. A very few dressings will generally cure. If the solution is too strong, dilute it with more water; and if the irritation is excessive, rub a little oil or other softening applicant; but avoid soap.
While the patches are in an inflamed and irritable condition, it is necessary to limit the local applications to regular washing or sponging with warm water, or some softening fomentation.
381. Cure for Erysipelas.—A simple poultice made of cranberries, pounded fine, and applied in a raw state, has proved a certain remedy.
382. Remedy for fainting.—First place the patient in the horizontal posture, throw cold water over the face, and bathe the hands with vinegar and water; loosen the dress, and admit a free current of fresh, cool air. Pungent salts, ether, or eau de Cologne, should be held occasionally to the nose, and the temples should be rubbed with either of the two latter. When the patient has partly recovered, a small quantity of wine, cold water, or ten or twenty drops of sal-volatile or ether, in water, should be given.
383. Remedy for Fits.—If a person fall in a fit, let him remain on the ground, provided his face be pale; for should it be fainting or temporary suspension of the heart's action, you may cause death by raising him upright, or by bleeding; but if the face be red or dark-colored, raise him on his seat, throw cold water on his head immediately; cold water is the best restorative.
384. German method of preventing Hysterics.—Caraway seeds, finely pounded, with a small proportion of ginger and salt, spread upon bread and butter, and eaten every day, especially early in the morning, and at night, before going to bed, are successfully used in Germany, as a domestic remedy against hysterics.