The Washington herald., 1916-07-26
Perspiration.

Odorous perspiration and excessive per-
spiration call for perslstant treatment in
midsummer.
We all perspire more freely in sum-
mer than in winter. because the skin is
very much more active, therefore there
is a greater amount of waste matter and
of "sebum" or oil thrown out Unless
the clothing is exceedingly porous and
the ventilation OF the skin considerable,
IL is impossible for this moisture to es-
cape. Instead, 1t condenses under the
clothing, and as decomposition is ex-
tremely rapid IN warm weather the con-
sequence is an unpleasant odor which be-
comes more or less manifest even few
hours after the body has been bathed.
To ovoid this, the most scrupulous cleanli-
ness is imperative. both of the body and
of the clothing. Underwear that absorbs
moisture and is worn so loosely that the
air can circulate freely through it and
on the skin of the body is extremely
hygienic for two very sound reasons
first, 1t permits the evaporation Of the
bodys exudations. and. second. by means
Of this, lowers the body temperature.
Excessive perspiratisa may be caused
by nothing more serious than hamper
ing the activity OF the skin with unhy-
gienic methods Of dress. An example
Ol lnls Is SuO"H III lIlS Us
amount OF moisture induced by wearing
shields in the armpits. Evaporation is
impossible through the fabric of which
they are made, and the heat they gen.
crate creates a flow OF perspiration far
beyond the confines of the shield. and
that has proved ruinous to more than one
garment at single wearing AS a mat
ter OF fact, shields should not be worn
in summer. Instead. the toilet OF the
armpit should be given greater attention,
and by this means the amount Of per-
spiration reduced instead of increased in
this Immediate situation.
Excessive perspiration Is frequently
caused by nervousness. Impoverished
blood is another cause. Sometimes It is
accompanied by burning. itching and
tingling sensations. In nervous troubles
a good remedy to control the defect is
ammoniated tincture Of valerian in tea
spoonful doses three or four times a day
or twenty grains OF bromide OF potas-
sium in a goblet OF water several times
day. plus-with either remedy-the ap-
plication OF the cold douche. especially
up and down the spine and to the body
generally, morning and night. Nothing
gives tone TO the cutaneous nerves more
speedily.
Local washes TO restrain the secretions
are beneficial, too. Sometimes water as
hot as 1t can be borne. containing mus
tard, vinegar or champion, proves ef-
fectuaL Diluted alcohol. or one or two
teaspoonfuls of alum in a pint of hot
water. have proved useful. Dusting pow
ders and lotions can be tried and are
often most helpful in overcoming this
trouble. One OF the mildest contains:
Powdered alum, ! ounce; powdered orris
root, ounces; powdered rice, ounces.
A lotion to check perspiration that has
proved its value. consists Of: Glacial
aCetic acid. ounces; oil OF lavender. ,
drame; oil OF rosemary. l dram: oil OF
cloves. l dram; camphor. ounce. The
powdered camphor is first dissolved in
the acetic acid, and the oils are then
added The mixture Is set aside for sew
eral days. but frequently shaken, and
finally it is filtered.