Osteopathy Complete
Elmer D. Barber, D. O.
1898
DISEASES OF THE SKIN
ECZEMA
(SCALD-HEAD, SALT-RHEUM, MOIST OR RUNNING TETTER)
(Inflammation and scaling of the skin, with exudation of lymph from
small vesicles, followed by
scaling off of the scarf-skin.)
TREATMENT
This disease is caused by an obstruction to the
lymphatic circulation, and is easily cured, except in rare instances, by
thorough manipulation of the entire body, to free the circulation, being
very thorough in the immediate region of the disease.
The extremities, upon which the eczema makes its
appearance, should be given strong flexion, abduction, adduction, rotation,
and extension, and the diseased portion kneaded gently, but as thoroughly
as conditions will permit.
See Treatment to Equalize the Circulation.
Treatment should be given each day, until recovery.
RASH
(Exanthematous eruptions of the skin.)
TREATMENT
See
Eczema.
BOILS
(Localized abscesses of the skin; a purulent tumor seated in the skin
or subcutaneous tissue, painful and highly inflammatory, characterized
by the formation and final expulsion of a fibrous mass of dead tissue called
the core.)
TREATMENT
See Eczema.
PIMPLES
(Small purulent elevations of the skin.)
TREATMENT
See
Eczema.
CARBUNCLE
(An inflammatory gangrenous tumor involving the skin and cellular tissue
beneath and presenting
a large circumscribed inflamed area of the subcutaneous tissue.)
TREATMENT
1. Thorough but careful manipulation in the
immediate region of the carbuncle, moving the muscles in all directions
very deeply in an effort to free the circulation; move the carbuncle gently
from side to side.
2. Should the carbuncle be located on the
neck, place one hand under the chin, the other under the occipital boner
and give slow but strong extension of the neck.
3. Give very gentle extension of the neck,
rotating the head from side to side.
4. Should the carbuncle be located below the
first dorsal, grasp the patient's shoulders, an assistant holding the feet,
and give strong extension.
Treatment should be given each day, and will occupy
ten minutes.
PARONYCHIA, PANARITIUM, WHITLOW, OR FELON
(Inflammation arising in the phalanges of the fingers - rarely ever
in the toes - generally advancing to suppuration. Its seat may be
in the skin, tendons, periosteum, or in the cellular tissue under the nail,
or may affect the bone. It may arise spontaneously, or may be caused
by the prick of a needle, a pin, or a thorn.)
SYMPTOMS
Burning, shooting, pain; swelling may arise, and
may extend up the arm.
TREATMENT
1. Place one hand upon the shoulder, with
the other grasp the elbow, the arm of the patient being flexed; rotate
the arm slowly but strongly, bringing it forward, upward, close to the
face and above the head, then outward and downward, thus stretching the
muscles and freeing the circulation immediately over the axillary and brachial
arteries and veins.
2. Grasp the patient's hand, giving the arm
quite strong extension; at the same time, with the disengaged hand, beginning
close to the axilla, move the muscles from side to side the entire length
of the arm, thus freeing the venous and capillary circulation.
3. Manipulate the flesh in the immediate region
of the felon, gently but very thoroughly, endeavoring to move the muscles
immediately under the felon.
This treatment will give immediate relief, and,
unless the felon has reached an advanced stage, a speedy cure.
DERMATOMYCOSIS
(A vegetable parasitic disease of the skin.)
TREATMENT
Thorough manipulation of the affected parts, with
a view of freeing the circulation.
Also Treatment to Equalize the Circulation.
DERMATORRHEA
(Morbid increase of skin-secretion.)
TREATMENT
See Treatment to Equalize the Circulation.
OTHER SKIN DISEASES
Almost all skin diseases, no matter by what name they may
be designated, can always be benefited, and in the great majority
of instances entirely cured, by applying the Treatment to Equalize
the Circulation, and, where it is deemed necessary, such local treatment
as their peculiarities may give reason for. Included in these
diseases may be mentioned, Acne, or Maggot-pimple; Xerodermia,
Androsis, or Dry Skin; Comedo, Face-worm, or Blackhead; Blebs; Dermatitis,
or Cystitis; Pityriasis, Branny Tetter. Dander, or Dandruff;
Dermahemia; Dermatolysis; Dermatonosis; Dystrophy; Erythema; Pemphigus,
Water-blebs, or Bladder Fever; Furuncles; Shingles, or Herpes Zoster;
Scleroderma, or "Hide-bound"; Hyperidrosis, or Excessive Sweat;
Impetigo, or Crusted Scall; Psoriasis, Scally Tetter, Dry Scale,
Washerwoman’s Scall, or Baker's Itch; Sycosis, or Barber's Itch;
Lichen; Tineae, or Ring-worm; Itching; and Melanopathia.
