For the cold plunge water at a temperature of 55° F. is prepared. The child is lifted into this and given a single dip up to the neck. He is then briskly rubbed off as above.
There are a very few children who do not take kindly to either the cold sponge or plunge. These children do not react; they remain pale or blue and pinched for some time after. It may be necessary to discontinue the procedure or to use water of a higher temperature.
POULTICES
Poultices are useful in inflammation and for the relief of pain. To be of any value they should be applied frequently—every ten or twenty minutes—and they should be applied hot.
Ground flaxseed is the best material for poultices. It should be mixed with boiling water until the proper thickness is reached. It may be kept simmering on a fire. When one poultice is taken off it can be scraped into the pot and heated over if there is no discharge. Each poultice should be put into clean muslin, put on the part and covered with oiled silk. This will help to retain the heat and prevent the clothing or bed sheet from becoming wet.
HOT FOMENTATIONS
A hot fomentation is simply a clean poultice. Several thicknesses of flannel are taken, wrung out of very hot water, covered with cotton batting, and then with oiled silk.
How to Make and How to Apply a Mustard Paste.—For infants: Take one part English mustard to six parts flour, mix with lukewarm water, and spread between two layers of cheesecloth.
For older children and adults: Take one tablespoonful English mustard to three or four tablespoonfuls of flour, and mix as above.
Mustard pastes should be made big enough. You can accomplish a great deal more by putting on a sufficiently large mustard paste than by simply putting on one the size of the palm of your hand.