There is a modification of this treatment which suits more weakly
persons, and suits also those who must do all, or almost all, for
themselves. A long flannel or flannelette nightdress is used in this,
instead of the blanket. This is covered on the whole of the inner side
with well-made soap lather. When so covered it is put on at bedtime,
and a dry nightdress put on over it. Both are then fastened as closely
as possible to the skin, and the patient goes to sleep thus clothed. If
the night is cold, the greatest care must be taken to be well covered,
and brought to as good a heat as possible. In the morning a very great
change will have come from this treatment. When the whole body is
washed down with warm water, dried, and nicely rubbed with fresh oil,
the skin is found very considerably changed, and in case of asthma the
breathing relieved.
If cold is taken when this process is fairly gone through, it would be
very astonishing indeed; but if it is badly done, a person might get
chilled instead of comforted. Therefore every care must be taken to
keep the patient thoroughly warm. The result of one effectual pack is
usually sufficient to convince the poor sufferer that he is being
treated in the right way. The effect of the second is greater, and so
on to the fourth or fifth, beyond which he need not go as a rule. He
will do well once a day to wash with hot vinegar and rub after with the
oil. These should not be required more than a fortnight at most. If
chilliness continues, it is well to put on cotton stockings on going to
bed, and even to bathe the feet and oil them before doing so. This
bathing may be continued every night for a fortnight.
Sores.--These will be found dealt with under many headings throughout
this book (_see_ Abscess; Bone, Diseased; Blood; Boils; Breast; Cancer;
Carbuncle; Cauliflower Growth; Eruptions; Erysipelas, etc.), therefore
we here only treat generally of two kinds of common sores. The first is
the surface sore, which eats inwards; the second, the deep-seated sore,
which eats outwards. The first usually begins as a small pimple like a
pin's head, and, if neglected, breaks, and gradually increases in size.
Its origin is something which has caused the minute vessels of the skin
at the spot to give way, so that they remain congested with bad blood,
which soon becomes practically poisonous, and so the sore enlarges and
eats into the surrounding tissue. If such a sore appears on the leg, it
is often due to over-pressure through too much standing. Rest, with the
leg kept horizontal or inclined slightly upwards to the foot, will
often be enough to cure. When complete rest cannot be had, a thigh
bandage (_see_ Veins, Swollen) should be worn.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account