when one is attacked by disease. It can regulate the
temperature of the various organs, and the application of heat or cold
to it will cause a reaction at once. Much of our treatment as given in
this book is directed towards stimulating the action of the skin. It is
obvious that in health as in disease the skin can and does so act on
the internal organs.

It should be the aim of everyone that this most important part of the
body should receive careful attention by a strict watch on the diet, by
cleanliness, tonic water baths (cold, tepid, shower, as may be found to
suit), and by tonic air baths. Light clothing and porous underwear will
also be found of use. We have already drawn attention to the value of
Kneipp linen as the most suitable form of underwear (_see_).

[Illustration: Section of the Skin, showing glandular structure.
Hairs
Fat Cells
Sebaceous Gland
Sweat Gland
Nutrient Artery
Hair Bulb]

Skin, A Wintry.--Something like an epidemic of skin trouble is often
experienced in cold, wintry weather. First, the skin becomes dry and
hard. A moist and sticky exudation replaces the ordinary sweat, and
great irritation is felt when the skin is exposed to the air. If the
sticky exudation be completely rubbed off, this irritation ceases. In
this, and in the absence of inflammation, "wintry skin" differs
entirely from eczema. The remedy is to rub all over every night for
three or four nights with the CAYENNE LOTION (_see_). If this does not
effectually cure, lather all over with soap and olive oil (_see_
Lather; Soap), before rubbing with the cayenne lotion. If the treatment
of the whole skin at once is felt to be too severe, it may be cured by
taking it in parts.

Skin, Creeping.--A sensation sometimes very much annoys patients, which
they describe as like thousands of small creatures creeping over the
skin. It most commonly arises from defective working of the pores. A
kindred trouble may be noticed along with this creeping. It is as if a
stream of cold water were passing down the back. That causes great
discomfort in many cases.

The cure is sponging frequently with weak ACETIC ACID (_see_) or even
good buttermilk. The skin being in such cases very sensitive, it is
well to treat it bit by bit, a small part at a time. Take one limb,
then another, then part of the back, and then another part. Besides
this sponging with a