SKIN INFECTIONS AND THEIR CARE 



317 



The skin is first of all an organ of protection against man's 

 microscopic foes, the bacteria. But a dirty skin harbors bacteria. 

 Moreover, the skin 

 pores, through which 

 the perspiration and 

 oil pass, are easily 

 clogged with dirt. 

 Frequent washing is 

 necessary if we wish 

 to keep the skin 

 clean. Pride in one's 

 own appearance for- 

 bids a dirty skin. 

 Powder or rouge does 

 not clean the skin; 

 it may cover up dirt. 



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shower or sponge bath should be taken every day with a brisk rub- 

 down afterward, since this exercises the blood vessels of the skin. 

 Soap should be used daily on surfaces 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 multiply 

 there and cause pus. Pimples are often caused by the infection 

 in the skin pores of rod-shaped bacteria, while boils are usually 

 caused by the infection of the hair follicle with pus-forming 

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



Whenever the skin is 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 a three per cent 

 carbolic acid solution, a three per cent lysol solution, or by painting 

 the wounded part with solution of iodine or mercurochrome. These 

 solutions should be applied immediately. A burn or scald should 



