ne of the eruptive diseases
will be sick, and will have a fever for two or three days before any
rash appears; while on the other hand a child may go to bed in good
health and may next morning be covered with a general rash, or with
large blotches, without any fever and without any evidence of
ill-health, except the skin condition. In the second place, if the
mother gives the child a cathartic and restricts the diet for a day the
rash will disappear, and good spirits and good health will be
maintained; on the other hand, the giving of a cathartic to a child who
is the victim of an eruptive disease will not tend to diminish the rash,
but may accentuate it.
Pimples: Blackheads (Acne).--This eruption is situated chiefly on the
face. It may appear, however, on the back, shoulders, and on the chest.
It is mostly seen in young men and women about the age of puberty. It
appears as conical elevations of the size of a pea; they are red and
tender on pressure, and have a tendency to form matter, or pus, in their
center. In from four to ten days the matter is discharged but the red
spots continue for some time longer.
"Blackheads" appear as slightly elevated spots of a black color out of
which a small worm-like substance may be pressed. Pimples and blackheads
are due to inflammation of the glands of the skin. The mouths of these
glands become filled with dust which acts as a plug causing the
retention of the oily matter of the gland which becomes inflamed and
hence the pimples and blackheads. Certain constitutional conditions
favor the development of these skin blemishes. Constipation,
indigestion, bad blood from unsanitary and bad hygienic surroundings,
self-abuse and bad sexual habits favor the appearance of these skin
affections.
Treatment.--The patient must avoid tea, coffee, tobacco, alcohol,
veal, pork, fats, candy, pastries, cheese, and all edibles that are
known to disagree with the digestion of the patient. Constipation must
be avoided; if necessary, laxatives may be taken to keep the bowel open.
The blackheads must be squeezed out with an instrument made for the
purpose, not with the finger nails. Pimples must be opened with a
sterile needle. The parts should be washed three times a day with hot
water and green soap, and the following mixture applied at night:--
Zinc Oxide ounces 1/4
Powdered calamine ounces 1/4
Lime water ounces 6
Mix and shake before applying to the sk
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