74 WARM BATHS. 



5. Shower-Baths take less heat from the body than 

 other cold baths. The falling water also stimulates the 

 skin and aids in producing the after-glow. Hence 

 shower-baths are valuable to those not in very good 

 health, provided they suffer no unfavorable reaction. But 

 the sudden shock is unfavorable to many people; es- 

 pecially to those having any difficulty with the heart. 

 Persons with whom shower baths agree, frequently find 

 it advantageous to stand with the feet in tepid or warm 

 water while taking them, and to keep the head covered 

 by an oilskin cap. They thus avoid headaches and cold 

 feet, while getting the general benefit of the bath. 



6. Warm Baths cleanse the skin more readily than 

 cold, and are desirable once or twice a week for this 

 purpose. Daily warm baths should not be taken except 

 on medical advice. While promoting the tendency to 

 perspiration, which is often important in the treatment 

 of disease, they also, when frequent, diminish the general 

 vigor of the body. 



7. The Use and Abuse of Soap. Nearly all soaps con- 

 tain so much potash or soda that lathers made from 

 them are really weak "lye." On this their main cleans- 

 ing power depends; for, like the lye used to remove 

 stains from floors, they take up greasy matters and 

 make them capable of being washed away by water. 

 The potash or soda of soap often does harm, causing too 

 free removal of the oily sebaceous secretion, a thin layer 

 of which is necessary to protect the skin from too rapid 



5. In what circumstances are shower-baths desirable ? What pre- 

 cautions should delicate persons observe in taking them ? 



6. What are the uses of warm baths? Their dangers ? 



7. What makes soap cleansing ? How may it injure the skin ? 

 How should its use be limited ? Name a good substitute for soap. 



