DIPHTHERIA AND CROUP. 431 



DIPHTHERIA AND CROUP. 



If we wash and rub the chest with the hand wet in cold water, 

 And put upon it a wet bandage methods that are alway salutary 

 for a cough we do good, although the attack may not prove to be 

 one of croup. 



In a violent attack of croup we could hardly do too much 

 while the general fever and inflammatory symptoms are present. 

 Sometimes it may be necessary to bathe the child every hour, or 

 even oftener. At all events, we should give baths enough, change 

 the bandages often enough, and wash and rub the chest sufficiently, 

 to keep the breathing good and the croup in check. Tepid or cool 

 affusion tepid if the child is weak, but cool if the contrary with 

 wet hand friction upon the throat and chest, with the constant use 

 of wet bandages upon these parts, constitute the sum and substance 

 of 'the best of all known methods of treating this disease. An essen- 

 tial point is that the compress on the throat should be put on 

 neatly and be fastened snugly to the throat. There should be no 

 loose ends or edges to chill when the head is moved. This should 

 be snugly covered with a woolen compress, but care should be 

 taken that neither of the compresses are so tight as to interfere with 

 the circulation or breathing. The compress should be quite cold 

 and changed often ; with very weak children it need not be very cold. 

 In diptheria the water should be ice-cold. In both diseases the 

 compress should bf used constantly. 



CORNS. 



It is an instructive fact in regard to corns, as also warts, bun- 

 ions, etc., that a course of water-treatment generally removes them 

 wholly, or prevents all pain. Those who bathe habitually in cold 

 water are seldom troubled with corns. 



CHAFING. 



In all cases perfect cleanliness the most strict and constant 

 is the great thing. In the case of infants use a soft sponge and the 

 purest, softest water that can be obtained. It is not necessary that 

 it be very cold; it may indeed be used quite lukewarm, but never 

 hot. To secure the most perfect -cleanliness, use a little mild, 

 unscented soap now .and then, if necessary. Use the sponge and 

 water, three, four or more times each day. 



CHAPPING. 



I know of no means so good for chaps as the water-dressing, 

 mixed with a little glycerine and suited to the feelings of comfort. 

 Nights especially this remedy may be advantageously used. If we 

 can but manage it rightly, it will cure in a shorter time than any 

 other application we can make. 



