According to the conception of the human body as a unit, it is not
difficult to understand that the skin, while not a separate organ, forms
the outermost layer of the body-tissues and is nourished _from within_.
By means of more than 2,500,000 small openings in the skin, called the
pores, communication is established between the external and the
internal parts of the body. This produces a permanent exchange of
matter, and thus the skin is, in fact, a second system of respiration of
the greatest importance to the health of the entire body.
Naturally it is subject to traumatic accidents through its exposed
position. Traumatic affections cannot now be discussed; except to give a
brief idea of the constitutional diseases of the skin which, like all
others, originate in deficient blood. Often they are only secondary, and
indications of various, more complicated, diseases. In a few cases they
affect the skin alone, but are nevertheless constitutional, especially
in such cases as could not exist at all, were the disposition not
established constitutionally.
There is hardly another department of medicine where the "quack" reaps
so great a harvest as in the treatment of skin diseases. Thus the
suppression of symptoms becomes the rule; the removal of causes is
invariably neglected. Many forms of skin disease, being the result of
sexual infections, are allowed to develop because prudery and other
motives prevent the early investigation of the cause, and hence delay
its prompt treatment and healing.
It is easy and natural for every one to notice the skin and see when
there is anything amiss.
Upon discovery immediately consult an hygienic-dietetic physician, and
follow his advice closely, since skin diseases are among the most
obstinate to overcome. The physician will be able to determine whether
there is real constitutional trouble or merely a superficial skin
disease. Thus the underlying evil, if any, can be correctly treated, in
combination with such specialities as the skin tissue requires.
_Every skin disease must be treated from the inside_, so as to destroy
the disposition and even the chance for development. In view of the
large field and the great importance of this group, it will be advisable
for every one to read the many pages that have been devoted to this
special subject in my work, on "Regeneration" or "Dare To Be Healthy,"
Chapter X, Section 9.
_Therapy._
_Diet_: The general rule of abstaining from highly seasoned food should
govern all patients suffering from skin diseases. Special attention
should be given to a diet consisting of good, fresh meat, not too rich;
it should be alternated with days on which no meat is eaten. Strong
cheese (Roquefort), mustard, sardelles, mixed pickles must be avoided.
See also remarks on Scrofulosis under I. A.
_Dech-Manna-Compositions_: =Dermogen=, =Plasmogen=, Gelatinogen,
Eubiogen.
_Physical_: Partial packs, either vinegar and water, or salt and radium.
Special packs by order of the Doctor.