Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1911-02-08


tective covering for muscle. bone and
other underlying structures.
1t is fact. however, that the skin
is vital organ and that paralysis of
its functions would result in death.
One of the most important functions
of the skin is to regulate the body
heat. This it does largely through the
evaporation of water brought to the
surface by the sweat glands. 1t has
been estimated that there are about
100000 Of these glands in the skin
of the average individual and that
they daily pour out from one to three
pints of water containing salts and
waste products.
In very warm weather this loss is
quite apparent. but in ordinary wealth
err we are not conscious of it. and it
is termed insensible perSpiration
When the air contains great deal
of moisture and the weather man re-
ports excessive humidity, the evapOra-
ton Of moisture from the skin is re-
tarded and great discomfort results.
The reverse condition obtains, of
course, when the air is dry.
Understanding the functions of the
skin. we can readily comprehend what
grave injury to other organs may re-
suit if these functions are suspended.
When the weather becomes suddenly
cold the blood vessels of the skin CON
tract. and d greater burden is thrown
upon the kidneys. which at once be-
come more active, if they are able to
respond. When the skin is not in
healthy condition its heat regulating
and waste excreting functions are
chronically disturbed. with the result
that other organs must bear the bur
den. This means that the bodily re-
sistance to disease is lessened.
Structure of the Skin.
The skin is composed of two layers
the epidernis, or what is termed the
scarf skin" and the derma or true
! skin" The epidermis is composed of
several layers of epithelial cells. which
act as a protective coating for the
derma. The derma contains the seba-
ceouS or oil glands. the sweat glands.
roots of the hair. blood vessels, fat.
nerves. etc
| The cells of the epidermis are con
stantly drying up and are removed by
bathing and the friction of the Clothes
To maintain healthy action of the
skin the DAHL, bath is important. Mil
| lions of people seem to get along fair
! ly well without bathing. but millions
! of people have died before their time
| in consequence of neglecting such n.y.
gienic measures as are now known to
promote good health and resistance to
! disease.
A daily cold bath should be taken
| by all who can react from the shock
without feeling 'shivery" and chilled.
| For the more delicate daily tepid
bath. with light sponging or spraying
of neck and chest with cool water. will
assist in maintaining a proper tone, to
the circulation of the skin and fortify
against colds. bronchitis. pneumonia
and tuberculosis
Importance of Cleansing Scalp.
A great deal Of time and money are
wasted in trying to make hair grow in
poor soil. 1t is curious but illun-
mating fact that it it is quite as diff
cult to destroy superfuous hair as it
is to induce hair to grow where it is
desired. These facts are readily ac-
counted for when we consider that the
papilae. upon which the growth of
hair depends. are located deeply in the
layers Of the true skin. where neither
hair tonics nor hair destroyers can
! reach them.
1t is true of the scalp as of all other
parts of the body that it is easier to
prevent disease than to cure it. Pre-
vention of dandruff. which is the usual
cause of badness, is not ordinarily a
difficult matter. Sometimes this con
dition as we'll as falling Of the hair is
due to Il debilitated nervous system
which must first be treated before To-
!, cal measures are of much avail The
average individual. however. can pre-
vent dandruf and resultant badness
by keeping the scalp clean.
The scalp is prone to collect dirt
dust and germs. Dandruff is thought
by some to be due to a germ. but this
is all the greater reason for frequently
cleansing the scalp.
shampooing and Scalp Massage.
A mistaken idea exists that the hail
is injured by frequent washing. AS 8
rule. both scalp and hair are benefited
thereby provided they are carefully
r dried Neglect to dry the hair leads
to decomposition at the roots and i'm
pairment Of it's vigor In the summer
time exposure to the sunlight will as
sist in thorough drying. In the win
] ter time hot towels should be used.
Medicated soaps are not of muci
value. Any pure soap will answer
Tincture of green soap is an excellen
preparation. There is no danger O.
! undue loss Of oil from the hair. as TIT
oil glands in the skin quickly replac,
what Is washed away. In fact. b.
clearing away the dead cells ant