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Home Medical and Vet Remedies, as Recommended by 19th and 20th century Doctors and Vets! |
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Home Medical and Vet Remedies, as Recommended by 19th and 20th century Doctors and Vets! |
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Fish-skin Disease - Icthyosis.This affection, technically known as icthyosis, is so called because the skin is arranged in the shape of large crusts, sometimes overlapping one another, and thus resembling slightly the scales of a fish. In many cases this resemblance to fish scales is rather imaginary ; the actual appearance of the skin suggests rather a layer of dried mud which has been caked upon different parts of the surface. These cakes or scales project somewhat from the surface of the skin, and are thickest and most abundant upon the outer surfaces of the legs and of the arms. Sometimes only a limited portion of the skin will be affected ; at other times almost the entire body, trunk and limbs present this remarkable appearance. Cases of fully developed icthyosis are rare ; but a milder form of the affection, which is known as xeroderma, or parched skin, is not uncommon. In these cases the skin does not present the dirty appearance characteristic of the fish-skin disease, but looks simply dry and parched ; the individual perspires very little, and the skin is easily chafed. The sensibility of the skin is apt to be impaired in this disease. Icthyosis is a congenital disease ; that is to say, it is developed in the infant soon after birth without the occurrence of any perceptible cause. Yet it often occurs in individuals whose parents have never suffered from a similar affection. Treatment.-The disease is, so far as known, absolutely incurable. Yet much can be done to relieve the discomfort attendant upon it and to prevent further progress. For this purpose the skin may be kept soft and flexible by means of free application of sweet oil or lard, and by frequent alkaline baths, each of which shall contain six or eight ounces of baking soda. The excessive use of soap should be avoided, since it tends to aggravate the condition. But first, if you want to come back to this web site again, just add it to your bookmarks or favorites now! Then you'll find it easy! Also, please consider sharing our helpful website with your online friends.
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