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ALL THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF BATHS, AND HOW TO PREPARE THEM.
THE SULPHUR BATH.
For the itch, ringworm, itching, and for other slight irritations,
bathe in water containing a little sulphur.
THE SALT BATH.
To open the pores of the skin, put a little common salt into the
water. Borax, baking soda or lime used in the same way are excellent
for cooling and cleansing the skin. A very small quantity in a bowl of
water is sufficient.
THE VAPOR BATH.
1. For catarrh, bronchitis, pleurisy, inflammation of the lungs,
rheumatism, fever, affections of the bowels and kidneys, and skin
diseases, the vapor-bath is an excellent remedy.
2. APPARATUS.--Use a small alcohol lamp, and place over it a small
dish containing water. Light the lamp and allow the water to boil.
Place a cane bottom chair over the lamp, and seat the patient on
it. Wrap blankets or quilts around the chair and around the patient,
closing it tightly about the neck. After free perspiration is produced
the patient should be wrapped in warm blankets, and placed in bed, so
as to continue the perspiration for some time.
3. A convenient alcohol lamp may be made by taking a tin box, placing
a tube in it, and putting in a common lamp wick. Any tinner can make
one in a few minutes, at a trifling cost.
THE HOT-AIR BATH.
1. Place the alcohol lamp under the chair, without the dish of water.
Then place the patient on the chair, as in the vapor bath, and let him
remain until a gentle and free perspiration is produced. This bath may
be taken from time to time, as may be deemed necessary.
2. While remaining in the hot-air bath the patient may drink freely of
cold or tepid water.
3. As soon as the bath is over the patient should be washed with hot
water and soap.
4. The hot-air bath is excellent for colds, skin diseases, and the
gout.
THE SPONGE BATH.
1. Have a large basin of water of the temperature of 85 or 95 degrees.
As soon as the patient rises rub the body over with a soft, dry towel
until it becomes warm.
2. Now sponge the body with water and a little soap, at the same time
keeping the body well covered, except such portions as are necessarily
exposed. Then dry the skin carefully with a soft, warm towel. Rub the
skin well for two or three minutes, until every part becomes red and
perfectly dry.
3. Sulphur, lime or salt, and sometimes mustard, may be used in any of
the sponge baths, according to
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