THE DANGERS OF A SCRATCH.

Evening Star, Issue 11684, 17 February 1902, Page 2

THE DANGERS OF A SCRATCH.

Scarcely a day passes that many persons do nos get a scratch, a small cut, or a bruise that may break the skin. In most instances (says the ‘People’s Friend’) not the slightest attention is paid to this beyond the temporary annoyance of the pain and the possible irritation when the hands are put into water, or some subsequent Plow on the same spot brings an exclamation on account of the hurt. This, while a common practice, is by no means a wise one. The air is full of floating disease germs—especially the air of cities end towns —and an injury of this sort, be b ever so slight, might furnish an excellent breeding-ground for some deadly bacteria. It is a good plan always to keep a bottle of prepared carbolic acid and glycerine, and frequently touch all bruises or sore spots with it,' This is one of the most convenient and effective germicides imaginable. It is said that many oases of fever and other serious ailments can be contracted by a floating germ coming in contact with the abraided skin. Once snugly lodged in this most congenial dwelling-place, the germ multiplies with amazing rapidity, and soon overruns the entire system. Therefore, whenever there is a braise, or scratch, or any injury of this sort, germicidal applications should be at once resorted to.