THE SKIN 



113 



forbids a dirty skin. Powder or rouge does not clean the skin ; 

 it may cover up dirt. 



For those who can stand it, a cold sponge bath or shower is best, 

 with a brisk rub-down afterward, since this exercises the blood ves- 

 sels of the skin. Soap should be used daily on parts exposed to 

 dirt, because it combines with the oil of the skin, thus aiding in 

 the removal of the dirt held there. Exercise in the open air is 

 important to all who desire a good complexion. To have the 

 ^' glow of health " one must exercise the skin as well as keep it 

 clean. 



Skin Infections and their Care. — We are all aware of the 

 fact that sometimes a scratch or cut becomes infected; bacteria 



Spider mis. ^ 



Sense organ. 



Fafce/ls 



Dermis. 



Bhod vessel. 



Nerve— 



Ducf- of smreaf gland 

 Shaff of hair 

 m\- Muscle 



-Oil gland 

 Sweat gland' 



Hair follicle 



Section of human skin. 



multiply there and cause pus. Pimples are often caused by 

 the infection in the oil pores of rod-shaped bacteria, while boils 

 are usually caused by the infection of the hair sacs with pus-form- 

 ing bacteria — the streptococci (strep -t6-k6k'sl). 



In case the skin is badl}^ broken, it is necessary to prevent the 

 entrance and growth of bacteria. This may be done by washing 

 the wound with weak antiseptic solutions such as 3 per cent carbolic 

 acid or 3 per cent lysol, or with peroxide of hydrogen (full strength), 

 or with zonite. These solutions should be applied immediately. 

 A burn or scald should be covered at once with a paste of baking 

 soda, with olive oil, or with a mixture of limewater and linseed oil. 

 These tend to lessen the pain by keeping out the air and reducing 

 the inflammation. 



