The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-04-04

injurious TO health; therefore, the desider-
atum is to wear only that which will pre-
serve the normal temperature of the feet.
1t is a well known fact that wooden gar
ments next the body absorb perspiration
better than linen or cotton, and thus pro-
tect the skin from that chill which accom-
panies the sudden cooling of the body.
In accordance with this theory We often
see writers recommending wOolen stockings
for the feet. In most cases this is a great
mistake, and if followed, results in making
the feet tender and very susceptible to
cold In the case of the woolen garment
next the skin, the porous clothing over the
wOolen garment acts us 4 sort Of safety
valve, carrying off surplus heat and moiS-
ture; whereas the wooden stocking is sur
rounded by mparatively non-porous
leather, which only tends to increase the
heat and moisture of the feet Ii cloth
shoe is worn, then the woolen stocking is
in place, for there is then an outlet for the
exudation of the feet. The rule in the Sc
lection of hosiery should be to regulate the
amount of wool according to the porosity of
the leather. With porpoise or patent
leather, wear silk or cotton; with calf, kan
garoo or grain, wear mixture of cotton
and wool or merino; with cloth shoes, wear
wooden stockings.
\ very important item in the care of
the feet is their frequent and judicous bath
ing. In order that the epidermis be clear
of all exudations and the skin in healthy
condition, the feet should receive at least a
sponge bath in the morning and warm
water bath at night. The former opens
the pores and stimulates the circulation,
while the latter cleanses the skin Of all sur
plus epidermis and allays all inflammation.
If the feet are very tender and have a ten
dency to perspire freely, then it might be
well to occasionally add a little salt and
alum to the water. If the perspiration is
profuse and attended by odoriferous exha-
ations, sprinkle little pulverized tannin
in the shoes about once week. This has
the effect of regulating the flow of perspira-
ton without interfering with the healthy
action of the skin.
Abraham Lincoln, who suffered very
much from tender feet, used quite often to
remove his shoes, in order, as he said, 'to
give his feet a chance to breathe"
Not only should our feet be given an
occasional "breathing spell, but our shoes
should be afforded the same opportunity.
No shoe should be worn more than two
days continuously, and then be given four
davs' rest. As this would necessitate hav-
ing on hand three pairs of shoes, many
might object on that account; then two
pairs, if worn on alternate days, will nearly
serve the purpose. If only one pair can
be afforded. then the next best thing that
can be done is frequent change of inner
soles. As these only involve an expendi-
ture of ten cents pair, at least three pairs
should he at hand, giving each days wear
and two lays breathing spell"
Finger nails and toe nails are nothing
more than hardened forms of the epidermis.
When examined near their origin, they are
found to consist of cells, which gradually
dry into scales These remain coherent
after their formation. A new production
is constantly taking place in the groove of
the skin in which the root of the nail is
embedded, and most likely, also, from the
whole subjacent surface. The growth of
the nails is due to deposits of albumen at
their roots and upon their under surface.
The red lines seen at their base are due to
the presence of a great number of capillary
vessels, which provide for the formation of
the nail, the whole structure being won
derful and delicate one that should be well
and properly cared for. The only occasion
for the use of sharp instrument in this
case is that of the scissors in cutting them
to reduce their length An ivory presser
should be used to remove the scarf skin
from the free margin. The edge Of the
cuticle should never be pared, nor the sur
face of the nail scraped, the nails should be
cleaned only with the nail brush to have
them at their best, aided, of course, by soap
and water. An observance Of these simple
rules will prevent much useless trouble
with the nails of hands and feet.
When we wear shoe that is too short
for the foot, the end of the nail is brought
against the leather This interrupts its
forward growth, and as new material is
added to it, it spreads out on the sides and
becomes unusually thick. 1t then presses
upon the soft parts of the toe, and is said
to agrow into the flesh, " and is termed an
ingrowing toe nail The prevention of this
is obvious, but its cure no pleasant opera
ton.
Should the case be severe one and at
tended by proud flesh, then it a case for the
surgeon, and should receive immediate at
tention, or the proud flesh will soon attain
such growth as to require the removal of
the nail, which is more painful operation
than that of removing the toe or a limb.
The ordinary ingrowing nail can be cured
by little time and close attention. First
of ALL the cause must be removed and a
shoe worn that is very soft and pliable, ai.
fording plenty of room for the free move
ment of the toe. Next soak the foot well
in warm water, to remove inflammation and
render the nail plable. Do not cut the
nail, particularly at the corners. Press
small pellets of lint as far under the corner
of the nail as possible without causing pain
and wrap the toe very lightly with liner
well saturated with glycerine. Dress the
toe at least twice day, replacing the lint
and endeavor each time to slightly ncreas,
its quantity When the nail becomes long
cut it so that the corners will project be
yOnd the center.
Another remedy that has been found t.
be quite effectual is to cut small notch Al
} the center of the nail, leaving the cornen
square Then begin about half way bach
, on the nail and scrape toward the motel
; until the nail is quite thin. This leaves
the nail thin strip through the center anC
relieves the pressure from the sides.
How to Lay Gravel Walks.
. nl IL - III Il