stless.
An old handkerchief or piece of soft linen folded with the raw edges
inside may be used as a compress. It should be large enough to cover the
forehead. Two compresses at least should be provided, and a large piece
of ice in a basin. One compress should be wrung so that it will not
drip, and then applied to the head. The other meanwhile should be placed
on the ice to cool. As soon as the first compress becomes warm, the
second should be applied in its place.

_Cold Compresses for the Eyes._--Soft material should be selected for
eye compresses. Each one should be cut only a little larger than the eye
and should fit neatly over it. Several compresses should be placed on a
block of ice while one is applied to the eye, and every few minutes the
compress should be changed. If there is discharge from the eye, each
compress should be used but once; when used, they should be collected in
a paper and afterward burned. Separate compresses should be used if both
eyes are being treated. Definite directions in regard to changing
compresses and the length of time the applications should be continued
are generally given by the physician.

COUNTER-IRRITANTS

To some extent all hot applications are counter-irritants, but mustard
pastes, mustard leaves, and the mustard foot-bath already described are
the counter-irritants most commonly used.

_Mustard Paste._--To make a mustard paste, mix dry mustard with flour,
using for adults one part of mustard and six of flour to make a weak
paste; increase the proportion of mustard up to equal parts of mustard
and flour, according to the strength required. Use a smaller proportion
of mustard for children; one part of mustard with from 6 to 10 parts of
flour is generally enough. Add to the mustard and flour enough tepid
water to make a paste, which must be absolutely free from lumps. Do not
use hot water for this purpose, because it destroys some of the active
properties of the mustard. Spread the paste on thin muslin, apply it to
the skin, and remove it as soon as the skin is reddened so that its
color resembles that of a strong sun-burn. If the skin is especially
sensitive, mix a little sweet oil or vaseline with the paste.

_Mustard leaves_ should be dipped in tepid water and may then be applied
to the skin directly, but if specially sensitive, the skin should be
protected by thin muslin or gauze. The leaf should remain until the skin
is well reddened; a few minutes are generally su