320 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY CHAP. 



and face in cold water for a few minutes. Often the 

 cold application to the head is sufficient. 



229. Bruises. A bruise should be carefully washed 

 at once, and then have cold water or ice applied to it. 

 Be careful, however, that the person does not become 

 chilled. Keep the bruise clean and the injured part quiet 

 until the swelling has gone down and the soreness has 

 disappeared. Hot water may be used in place of cold. 



230. Frost Bite. The ears, nose, cheeks, and fingers 

 are the parts of the body most exposed to the cold. 

 The skin first grows bright red because the capillaries 

 become congested ; then it turns bluish because the cir- 

 culation becomes arrested ; and, finally, gets a deep 

 white color because it is frozen. Rub the frozen parts 

 vigorously with snow, or apply ice water freely, and 

 remain away from the fire until the circulation has been 

 well started. When the parts begin to sting and itch, 

 bathe them in cold water or cold oil. The person should 

 first be kept in a cold room, and the return to a higher 

 temperature should be as gradual as possible. If the 

 frozen parts are warmed too rapidly, gangrene may set in. 



231. Poisonous Stings. When a person has been 

 stung by a bee, wasp, hornet, mosquito, nettles, etc., see 

 that the sting is pulled out if it was left there. Bathe 

 the wound in hot water and squeeze out the poisonous 

 matter at once. Then bathe it with a strong solution of 

 soda, common salt, or ammonia. 



232. Poisons. Send for the nearest physician at once. 

 Unless the poison is an acid, give an emetic to empty 

 the stomach as soon as possible. Stir a teaspoonful of 



