The skin is divided into three layers. Beginning with the outer one and
naming inward, they are named as follows: The outer layer is called the
epidermis or cuticle (near or upon the skin). The second layer is called
the corium, derma cutis vera, or true skin. The third layer is called the
sub-cutaneous (under the skin) (fatty or connective) tissue. This last
layer contains the sweat glands, the lower end of the deep-seated hair
follicles, (little sacs containing the roots of the hair) and larger
branches of the lymphatics, blood vessels and nerves, and serves in
general as a bed for the true skin to rest upon, and by which the true
skin is connected with the deeper parts, muscles, etc. The appendages of
the skin are the hair, nails, sebaceous and sweat-glands. The discharge
from the sweat-glands form a little or larger tumor. The contents of a wen
are from sebaceous glands--fat secretions--fat tumor. The following names
are frequently mentioned in the skin diseases:
Macule. (Spots, patches). Skin is altered in color, but the skin is not
raised or depressed; freckle, etc.
Papule. (Pimple). Elevated piece of skin, varying in size from a pin-head
to a coffee bean.
Tubercle. (Node-lump). A solid elevation of the skin, varying in size from
a pea to a cherry.
Tumors. These are soft or firm elevations of the skin, like a wen or hard
lump. They are always deep-seated.
Wheel. A round flat, white or pink elevation of the skin; such as hives,
mosquito bites, etc.
Vesicle. This is a pin-head or pea-sized elevation of the outer layer
(epidermis) filled with a watery fluid.
Bleb. (Bulla). A circumscribed elevation of the skin and contains a watery
fluid, such as a burn, etc.
Pustule. A rounded elevation of the outer layer (epidermis) of varying
size, containing pus (matter).
A vesicle, bleb, and pustule are hollow; macule, papule, and tubercle are
solid.
Scale. (Squama). This is a dry attached or unattached thin piece from the
skin as a result of disease of the skin.
Crust. This is a dried mass as a result of fluid oozing from a diseased
skin.
Excoriation. Like a scratch mark.
Fissures. This is a crack, like that found on chapped hands.
Ulcer. (Sore). Eating away of the parts.
Scar. Ulcer healed leaving a mark, like from a healed cut.
Pigmentation. Discoloration.
ACNE. (Simple Acne).--This is an inflammation of the sebaceous (fatty,
cheesy) glands. It forms these pimples or pustules and these are
intermingled with black-heads (comedones), flesh-worms. They vary from a
pin-head to a split-pea in size, and are of a bright or dark red color.
They occur for the most part on the face; also on the back, neck and
chest.
Condition.--An over secretion, or alteration and retention of the fatty
(sebaceous) matter, and this is followed by inflammation involving the
glands, ducts of the glands, and hair follicles. Pus often forms and
tissue may be destroyed.
[54 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
Causes.--These skin glands are active at the time of puberty. The active
cause may be the stomach troubles, constipation, womb disorders, and poor
general nutrition.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Acne.--All stomach troubles, constipation, and
womb troubles should be looked into and remedied. The diet and hygiene
must be regulated. Food that stimulates and is hard to digest should be
prohibited. When there is dyspepsia and constipation, bitter tonics, like
compound tincture of gentian, one dram before meals, or pepsin (five
grains) and loosening medicines like salts should be given.
Tincture of Nux Vomica is a good stomach and bowel tonic given in doses of
one to two drops before meals.
Calomel, one-half grain at night for a few nights, followed in the morning
by epsom salts or some mineral water like Abilena or Hunjadi is useful.
The following is a good combination by Dr. Schalek:
Tincture of Nux Vomica 2 drams
Dilute Nitro Muriatic Acid 4 drams
Sherry Wine enough for 3 ounces
Mix and take one teaspoonful three times a day.
Diet.--See diet for dyspepsia and constipation. All fatty, greasy, rich
foods are prohibited.
Local Treatment.--If the skin is quite red and tender, mild soothing
applications should be used. Most cases require vigorous treatment. First
wash the parts with warm water and the best soap, rinse with hot water and
then dry carefully. Remove the black-heads by careful pressure of the
fingers, or with black-head extractor; the pimples and pustules should be
freely cut, to allow the matter to escape and all the matter taken out.
External Medication, Ointment and Lotions.--Lotions are to be preferred in
cases of oily discharge. If the skin becomes rough and chapped, soap
should not be used in washing, and a soothing ointment should be applied.
Drugs used are for stimulating the skin and healing the lesions.