THE CURE CORNER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10683, 1 February 1913, Page 4

THE CURE CORNER.

NERVOUS DEBILITY. Nervous debility, which represents a lack of tone, often comes on after an illness sufh as .influenza; people troubled with indigestion or those who allow themselves to be mentally worried or troubled by their business or general affairs, will show signs of nervous breakdown. In some' cases, however, it arises more as a state of mind than as a bodily ailment. This is often the case with women, and is a form of hysteria. The patient imagines she is ill, and then allows her thoughts to dwell upon it to such an extent that, in spite of what everyone may say te the contrary, she believes herself to be extremely bad, and incurable, and will remain in bed whon there is no cause for her doing so. If it has been brought on by overwork, then a few days in bed with good, 'plain, nourishing food will be beneficial, afterwards change of scene and company and a little gentle exercise every day (but there must be no over-exertion) will do the patient good. NEURITIS. In its real sense, neuritis means inflammation of a nerve or nerves, and is accompanied by great pain, especially at night. The muscles of the limb appear to be weakened, and the skin, is slightly inflamed. Hot fomentations/or poultices should be placed on the 'affected part. The bowels should be kept right, and the food should be plain and nourishing, but not over-stimulat-ing. There is another form of neuritis which comes from the too frequent use of alcohol. The legs become very tender, and appear to be slightly paralysed, and there is a difficulty in raising the feet. In this ease electrical applications to the liml>s and massage are useful. Sometimes there will appear to ho fever, and the mind will he distorted; in such cases a doctor should be called in. ACNE. Whiteheads, or acne, as it is usually called, can be removed easily by bathing the face in warm water, which softens it ; then open each little whitehead \f-ith a fine, sterilised needle, press or pick out the little white mass, then bathe in peroxide of hydrogen. For blackheads, cleanse the face thoroughly each night, first by using plenty of cold cream, rubbing it well into the pores and allowing it to remain for about ten minutes. Take what is left off with a soft cloth, then wash the face in warm water and good soap—Castile or any of . the floating soaps. Rinse the face in warm water, then cold. Always use the oold water last, for this hardens the flesh.