Part 13

PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Itch Disease.--Remedies for the general symptoms are demanded. The general health must be looked after. Stimulating foods and drinks and the use of tobacco are forbidden.

Arsenic in the form of Fowler's solution from three to ten drops three times a day; or the arsenious acid in pills of 1/50 of a grain three times a day. This medicine must not be used in the acute form, but only in chronic cases.

Local Treatment.--1. Remove the scales first and follow this by stimulating applications unless there is much inflammation. In such cases soothing lotions should be applied. Dr. Schalek of New York, recommends the following:

2. Remove the scales thoroughly with hot water and soap and then apply:

Chrysarobin 1 dram Ether, Alcohol Equal parts of each and enough to dissolve the first remedy Collodion 1 ounce

Mix and apply with a brush to the parts affected.

This solution may cause inflammation and great swelling, and on that account it should not be used on the face, it stains the skin. Dr. Hare recommends a bath only before the application. In that way some scales remain and there is not so much inflammation and swelling resulting. The stain can be removed with a weak solution of chlorinated lime.

3. Tar Remedy.--Tar is also a good remedy in ointment forms. The skin should be closely watched to find out how sensitive it is to the tar's action, not only in this but in all skin diseases. Drugs should be changed occasionally, for they lose their efficiency.

4. Tar and Sulphur Remedy for.--Never use tar on the face, it stains.

Ointment of Tar 1 ounce Ointment of Sulphur 1 ounce

Mix thoroughly and apply at night.

5. Precipitated Sulphur 6 drams Tar 6 drams Green Soap 2 ounces Lard 2 ounces Powdered Chalk 4 drams

Apply frequently.

If necessary more lard can be used, especially if the skin is very tender.

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6. Another good local application. It is composed of the following ingredients:

Resorcinol 1 dram Zinc Oxide 1 dram Rose Water Ointment 10 drams

Apply twice a day to the part affected.

After mixing the ointment heat it until the resorcinol crystals melt to prevent any irritation of the skin from them.

Ichthyol 2-1/2 drams Salicylic Acid 2-1/2 drams Pyrogallic Acid 2-1/2 drams Olive Oil 1 ounce Lanoline 1 ounce

Mix thoroughly and apply.

The result of the disease is always favorable as to life and general health. It yields to treatment, but it has a tendency to recur.

ITCH. Common Itch (Scabies).--Itch is a contagious disease, due to the presence of an animal parasite. There is intense itching in this disease. The parasite seeks the thin, tender regions of the skin, the spaces between the fingers, wrists and forearms, the folds in the arm-pit, the genitals in men and the breasts in women.

Cause.--It is always transmitted by contagion. An intimate and long contact is usually needed. A person occupying the same bed with one who has it is liable to take it. The female parasite lives from six to eight weeks, during which time she lays fifty eggs, which, when hatched out, become impregnated in their turn.

MOTHERS' TREATMENT for Common Itch. 1. Mustard Ointment for.--"Make an ointment of cup of fresh lard (without salt) and a tablespoonful of dry mustard, work to cream and apply." This is very soothing.

2. Itch, Grandmother's Cure for.--"Sulphur and lard mixed; rub on at night, then take a good bath, using plenty of soap, every day." The above ingredients are always easily obtained and anyone suffering with this disease will find relief from the itching by using this remedy. It is very soothing.

3. Itch, Herb Ointment for.--"Mix the juice of scabious with fresh lard and apply as an ointment. A decoction made from the same herb might be taken at the same time to purify the blood. It is always well to take some blood tonic together with any outward application you may use." Some who read the above may know scabious by other names as the "morning bride" or "sweet scabious" or "devil's bit," etc.

4. Itch, Elecampane Root Ointment for.--"Boil elecampane root in vinegar, mix with fresh lard, beating thoroughly." This is an excellent remedy for itch, having a very soothing effect and relieving the itching.

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5. Itch, Oatmeal for.--"A poultice of oatmeal and oil of bays; cures the itch and hard swellings." Oatmeal poultices are more stimulating and draw more rapidly than those made of linseed meal.

6. Itch, a Mother at Parma, Michigan, Sends the Following.--"Make a salve of sulphur and lard and each night apply it to the whole body; also one tablespoonful internally for three mornings, then skip three and so on. This is the only thing I know of that will cure itch. I have tried it with success."

7. Itch, Kerosene for.--"Apply kerosene oil, undiluted, to the parts several times a day. Apply nitrate of mercury ointment to the body."

8. Itch, Splendid Ointment for Common Itch.--

"Lac-Sulphur 160 grains Napthaline 10 grains Oil Bergamot 4 drops Cosmoline 1 ounce

Rub lac-sulphur into fine powder. Sift it into the melted cosmoline and stir until nearly cool, then add napthaline and oil bergamot. Stir until cool."

PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Itch.--If the skin is much inflamed or irritable, soothing baths and ointments should be used at first. There are three indications to be met in the treatment; first, to destroy the cause, the parasite; second, to cure the result of their work; third, to prevent a return or transmission to others.

First Thing to Do.--Soak the body thoroughly with soap (green soap if you have it) and water, this softens the outer layer (epidermis). This layer covers the female parasite which burrows under it. The male does not burrow and it is therefore easier to kill. Rub the skin thoroughly with a rough towel after the soaking. This rubbing will remove the outer skin scales and with it some of the parasites. The towel should be boiled at once to prevent it from conveying the parasite to others. Then apply the ointment, which, if thoroughly applied, relieves the patient at once. The skin should be well softened and rubbed in order to open every track (burrow) of the parasite. Allow the ointment to remain on all night and use it for three or four nights successively.

Ointments.--1. Simple sulphur ointment alone.

2. Oil of Cale (from Juniper) 1 dram Sulphur Ointment 2 drams Lanolin 5 drams

3. Flowers of Sulphur 6 ounces Oil of Fagi 6 ounces White Chalk 4 ounces Green Soap 16 ounces Lard 16 ounces

Apply at night. This is not so strong.

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4. For children the following can be used:

Sulphur 1 dram Balsam Peru 1 dram Lard 1 ounce

Apply as usual.

5. The following for adults:

Precipitated Sulphur 2 drams Carbonate of Potash 1 dram Lard Ointment 1-1/2 ounces

Rub well into the skin.

Second:--Heal the resultant sores with soothing applications like vaselin and a little camphor in it.

Third:--Boil and disinfect all underwear and bedding or any article liable to give an abiding place to the parasite. It is easily cured with proper treatment.

DANDRUFF (Seborrhoea).--The scurfs or scales (dandruff) upon the scalp are formed from seborrhoea.

Definition.--The word seborrboea means to flow suet or fatty fluids. Seborrhoea is a functional disorder of the sebaceous gland (fatty, suet matter) and this secretion is somewhat altered in character.

Varieties.--There are three varieties. These depend upon the character of the material excreted.

1. Oily seborrhoea (seborrhoea oleosa).

2. Dry seborrhoea (seborrhoea sicca).

3. Mixed type of both.

Oily seborrhoea.--Symptoms.--This appears most frequently upon the nose and forehead and sometimes upon the scalp. The skin looks oily, glistening, with the appearance of dust adhering to it. Small drops of oil are seen to ooze out of the follicles and when wiped off it reforms at once. The ducts of the follicles appear gaping or they are plugged with black-heads (comedones). The hair is rendered unusually oily, when it appears on the scalp, and it is especially noticeable on bald heads. It is very common in the negro, almost natural or physiological.

Dry Seborrhoea.--This is a more common form and occurs upon the hairy or non-hairy parts, but chiefly upon the scalp (dandruff). The affected parts are covered with grayish, greasy scales, which are easily dislodged, the skin underneath is oily and slate gray in color. This type of the disease forms one type of dandruff. When it is of long standing the hair becomes dry and falls out.

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Mixed type.--This type is common upon the scalp. The surface is covered, more or less, with scales and crusts. If the disease continues long the hair becomes dry, lusterless and falls out. Permanent baldness may result.

Causes.--These may be constitutional and local. "Green sickness" (chlorosis), disorders of the stomach and bowels are often the cause.

Local.--Uncleanness, lack of care of the scalp, heavy and airtight hats may cause it. Some writers claim parasites are the cause.

MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Dandruff, Home Preparation from New York State Mother.--"Into one pint of water drop a lump of fresh quick-lime, the size of a walnut; let it stand all night, pour off the clear liquid, strain, and add one gill of the best vinegar, wash the roots of the hair with the preparation. It is a good remedy and harmless."

2. Dandruff, a Barber's Shampoo for.--"Shampoo with the following:

Sassafras 5 cents worth Salts of Tartar 10 cents worth Ether 10 cents worth Castile Soap 5 cents worth

Dissolve the above in one gallon of soft water. Rinse the hair thoroughly and repeat as often as necessary. This recipe was given me by a barber and I find it very good,"

3. Dandruff, Lemon Juice for.--"Cut a lemon in two, loosen the hair and rub the lemon into the scalp. Do this in the evening before retiring, for about a week, then stop for a few nights, then use for another week, and so on until cured."

4. Falling Hair, a Brook, Ontario, Lady Prevents.--"Garden sage, make a quart sage tea, add equal parts (a teaspoonful) of salt, borax and rosewater, and one-half pint of bay rum. Wet the head with this every night."

5. Hair Restoratives, Simple and Harmless.--"A simple and harmless "invigorator" is as follows:

Cologne Water 2 ounces Tincture of Cantharides 2 drams Oil of Lavender 10 drops Oil of Rosemary 10 drops

Use twice daily. If it makes the scalp a tittle sore, discontinue for a short time."

6. Dandruff, Talcum Powder an Excellent Remedy for.--"Take talcum powder and sprinkle in the hair thoroughly, then brush," This is a very good remedy.

PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Dandruff.--If there are general diseases, they should be treated.

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Local--In mild cases, shampooing with hot water and a good soap may be sufficient when the scales and crusts are thick and abundant; first soften them with olive oil and then remove them with hot water and green soap.

After the scalp has been cleaned, the remedies should be applied. The remedies should be thoroughly rubbed in and applied in the form of ointments or lotions and used once daily. Cutting the hair may be necessary. The odor of sulphur may be overcome by the use of perfume. If the scalp becomes too dry after shampooing some oil should first be applied, whatever application is used afterwards.

Remedies.--Resorcin, sulphur, salicylic acid, in combination with other ingredients. Some favorite prescriptions are now given:

1. Resorcin 1 to 2 drams Pure Castor Oil 1 dram Alcohol 2 ounces

Mix and rub well into the scalp.

2. Precipitated Sulphur 1 dram Salicylic Acid 15 grains Ointment Petrolatum 1 ounce

3. Washed Sulphur 4 drams Castor Oil 10 drams Oil of Cocoa 1 ounces Balsam of Peru 1/2 ounce

Apply twice daily.

4. Carbolic Acid 20 drops to 1 dram Oil of Almonds 4 drams Oil of Lemon 1 dram Distilled Water, enough to make 2 ounces

Apply after washing.

The oily type is best treated with lotions and powders. The disease is very obstinate, but generally gets well.

WEN (Sebaceous Cyst. Steatoma).--A wen varies in size from a millet seed to an egg, and it is due to the distention of a sebaceous gland by its retained secretions. They occur most commonly on the scalp, face and back. They cause no pain, grow slowly, and after they have grown to a certain size remain stationary for an indefinite time. Sometimes they become inflamed and ulcerate.

Treatment.--Make a free cut and take the mass out. Its covering (capsule) or sac must be removed at the same time, for if any of this membrane (capsule) is left it will fill up again. Equal parts of fine salt and the yolk of an egg beaten together and applied continuously will eat the skin open and the mass can then be taken out. This is quite painful and takes several days, while with the knife there is little pain if cocaine is injected and it will all be over in a few minutes.

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RINGWORM (Tinea Trichophytina).--Ringworm is a contagious disease of the skin, produced by the presence of a vegetable parasite. The disease affects the hair follicles of the scalp and the beard, and also of the portions of the body that, seemingly at least, have no hair.

Varieties.--Ringworm affecting the body called Tinea Circinata. Ringworm affecting the scalp called Tinea Tonsurans. Ringworm affecting the beard, etc., Tinea Barbae (barbers' itch).

Ringworm of the Body.--This type of ringworm usually begins as one or several round, somewhat raised and very small, defined congested spots and these are covered with a few branny scales. The disease extends from the circumference and, while healing in the center, assumes a shape like a ring and these rings may become as large as a silver dollar and remain the same size for months or years, or they may go together (coalesce) to form circle (gyrate) patches. Vesicle and pimples frequently crop out at the circumference.

Mothers' Remedies for Ringworm.--1. Gunpowder and Vinegar for.--"Make a paste of gunpowder and vinegar and apply. Sometimes one application will be sufficient; if not, repeat."

2. Ringworm, Cigar Ashes for.--"Wet the sore and cover with cigar ashes. Repeat frequently. This will cure if taken in time." This is a very simple and effective remedy. Cigar ashes are always easy to obtain and if applied to the ringworm at the very beginning, the nicotine in the tobacco will draw out the soreness and relieve the inflammation.

3. Ringworm, Kerosene for.--"Apply kerosene with the finger or a cloth several times a day."

4. Ringworm, Ontario Mother Cured Boy of.--"Wash head with vinegar and paint with iodine to kill germ. Cured a neighbor's boy."

5. Ringworm, Another from a Mother at Valdosta, Georgia.--"Burdock root and vinegar." Take the dock root and steep it the same as any ordinary herb tea, then add your vinegar, making the proportions about half and half. Apply this to the affected part.

6. Ringworm, Egg Skin Remedy for.--"Take the inner skin of an egg and wrap around it, and cover with a piece of cloth."

7. Ringworm, from a Mother at Owosso. Michigan.--"Take gunpowder and wet it and put it on the sores," This remedy has been tried a great many times and always gives relief when taken right at the beginning. So many people will wait, thinking the ringworm will disappear of its own accord, instead of giving some simple home remedy like the above a trial.

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PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Ringworm.--1. For infants and children simpler remedies should be used at first. Scrub each patch with tincture of green soap, or merely good soap and water may be employed. Then apply tincture of iodine to the patches, once or twice a day, enough to irritate the patches. Dilute acetic acid, or dilute carbolic acid will do the same work. A ten per cent solution of sodium hyposulphite is a good remedy also.

2. Corrosive sublimate, one to four grains to the ounce of water, is very good to put on the patches. For children the strength should be about one-half grain to the ounce.

3. Ammoniated mercury is also very good to put on. Sometimes a combination of remedies will do better, as follows:

Milk of Sulphur 2-1/2 drams Spirits of Green Soap 6 drams Tincture of Lavender 6 drams Glycerin 1/2 dram

4. Pure Iodine 2 ounces Oil of Tar 1 ounce

Mix with care gradually.

5. Creasote 20 drops Oil of Cadini 3 drams Precipitated Sulphur 3 drams Bicarbonate Potash 1 dram Lard 1 ounce

Mix, to be used in obstinate cases in adults.

Ringworm of the Scalp.--Cautions and Treatment.--Be careful that others do not catch it from you. Separate the child affected. Cleanse the diseased parts from time to time by shampooing with a strong soap. The hair over the whole scalp should be clipped short and the affected parts shaved, or if allowed, the hairs in the affected parts pulled out. The remedies are then applied if possible in the shape of ointments, which are thoroughly rubbed in. Vaselin and lanolin are better as a base for the medicine, as they penetrate deeper. Following remedies are the most valuable:

1. Carbolic acid, one to two drams to glycerin one ounce.

2. Oleate of mercury, strength ten to twenty per cent.

3. Sulphur Ointment, ten to twenty per cent strength.

4. Tincture of Iodine.

This variety lasts longer than the ringworms on the body, months sometimes are required to cure it.

BARBER'S ITCH (Ringworm of the Beard).--Mother's Remedies. 1. Standard Remedy for.--"Plain vaselin two ounces, venice turpentine one-half ounce, red precipitate one-half ounce. Apply locally. Great care should be taken not to expose affected parts to cold and draughts while ointment is in use, especially if affected surface is large." The above is a standard remedy and will be found very effective in all cases of barber's itch. The vaselin will assist in healing the sores and softening up the scabs.

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2. Barber's Itch, Healing Ointment for.--"Plain vaselin four ounces, sulphur two ounces, sal-ammoniac powder two drams. Mix and apply daily after cleansing the parts thoroughly with castile soap and soda water. This is also an almost infallible cure for common itch." The vaselin is very good and healing, while the sulphur has a soothing effect and is a good antiseptic.

3. Barber's Itch, Reliable Remedy for.--"Citrine ointment one dram, vaselin or cosmolin one ounce. Mix thoroughly. Wash the affected parts clean and apply this ointment on a soft rag three times a day." This is a standard remedy and one to be relied upon. It is very soothing and has great healing properties.

4. Barber's Itch, Sulphur and Lard for.--"Sulphur and lard mixed together and applied three or four times a day. Have found this to be the best of anything ever used for barber's itch." This remedy will be found very good if the case is not very severe. If the face is covered with sores, filled with pus and of long standing a stronger treatment should be used. See other Mothers' Remedies, also Doctors' Treatment.

5. Barber's Itch, Cuticura Ointment for.--"Apply cuticura ointment to the sores, and as it draws out the water press a clean cloth against the sore to absorb the water. This will generally draw the water out in three or four days."

PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Barber's Itch.--Pulling out the hairs or close shaving every day. Keep the affected parts soaking with olive oil for two successive days. The evening of the third day the shampoo is employed, the skin is washed free from crusts and scales, shave cleanly. After shaving bathe the parts for ten minutes with borated water, as hot as can be borne; while this is being done, all pustules or points where there is a mucous fluid coming out to the surface are opened with a clean needle. Sponge freely over the affected surface with a strong solution of hyposulphite of sodium for several minutes and not allow it to dry; this solution may contain one dram and perhaps more to the ounce. After a thorough and final washing with hot water, the tender skin is carefully dried and gently smeared with a sulphur ointment containing one to two drams of sulphur to the ounce of vaselin, often with the addition of from one-quarter to one-half grain of mercuric sulphide. In the morning wash the ointment off with soap and water, the sodium solution is reapplied and a borated or salicylated powder is thoroughly dusted and kept over the parts during the day and apply ointment at night. The shaving must be repeated at least the next day. As soon as there are no pustules (lumps), or they have diminished in size, the ointment at night is superseded by the use of the dusting powder. The washing with very hot water and with the solution hyposulphite is continued nightly, when the inflammation excited by the parasite is limited to the follicles that are invaded. Continue the dusting powder after the ointment is discontinued.

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WART (Verucca). Mothers' Remedies.--1. An Application for, also Good for Cuts and Lacerations.--"Make a lotion of ten drops tincture of marigold to two ounces of water and apply." This is also good for severe cuts and lacerations. It may be applied by cloths or bandages if the case requires.

2. Warts, Match and Turpentine Wash.--"Dissolve matches in turpentine and apply to wart three or four times," This preparation helps to eat them away and if kept on too long is apt to produce a sore; care should therefore be taken in using this remedy.

3. Warts, Muriate of Ammonia for.--"Take a piece of muriate of ammonia, moisten and rub on the wart night and morning; after a week's treatment the wart, if not extra large, will disappear."

4. Warts, Turpentine for.--"Rub frequently with turpentine for a few days and they will disappear. This is a very simple remedy, but a good one, and worth trying if you are afflicted with warts."

5. Warts, to Remove.--"The juice of the marigold frequently applied is effectual in removing them. Or wash them with tincture of myrrh."

6. Warts, Milkweed Removes.--"Let a drop of the common milkweed soak into the wart occasionally, the wart will loosen and fall out. This can be applied as often as convenient; here in Canada we do not have to go far to get a plant."

7. The following is a good application:

Salicylic Acid 1/2 dram Cannabis Indicia 5 grains Collodion 1 ounce

Mix and apply to the wart.

Tincture of thuja is very good in some cases when applied daily.

HIVES, Nettle Rash (Urticaria). Causes.--Foods such as shell fish, strawberries, cheese, pickles, pork and sausages.

Medicines that may cause it.--Quinine, copaiba, salicylic acid, etc. Disorders of the stomach and bowels. Insects, like mosquito, bedbug, etc.

MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Hives or Nettle Rash, Slippery Elm.--"Slippery elm used as a wash and taken as a drink." Slippery elm is especially good for any skin disease, as it is very soothing to the parts and relieves the itching. If taken as a drink it acts on the kidneys and bowels, throwing off all the impurities.

2. Hives or Nettle Rash, External and Internal Home Medicine for.--"Bathe with weak solution of vinegar. Internal remedy; sweet syrup of rhubarb with small lump of saleratus (size of a pea) dissolved in it. This dose was given to a two-year-old child." The rhubarb helps to rid the stomach and bowels of its impurities, relieving the disease, as hives are usually due to some disorder of the kidneys and bowels.

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3. Hives or Nettle Rash, Tea and Powder for.--"Rub with buckwheat flour; this will relieve the itching almost immediately. Sassafras tea is a good internal remedy."