Nipples (Sore).—These should be hardened beforehand with weak arnica lotion, or a little glycerine and eau-de Cologne. When sore, apply green oil, prepared by boiling some elder leaves in olive-oil, and wear a nipple shield with a breast-tube teat. An excellent application is glycerine of borax. The nipples should be carefully washed and dried each time they are used, and the application put on afterwards.
Otorrhœa. See Ear-discharges.
Palpitation of the heart does not necessarily mean heart disease. It is more likely to be due to indigestion and flatulence. It may be relieved by taking a glass of hot water with half a teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda, and 1 teaspoonful of sal-volatile in it. 5 or 6 drops of essence of peppermint on a lump of sugar are useful. External applications are hot fomentations and turpentine stupes. (See also Flatulence.)
Rheumatism of the Joints or Muscles.—Rub camphorated oil or a similar stimulating embrocation, such as hartshorn and sweet oil, well into the affected parts with the bare hand for 15 to 20 minutes morning and evening. Flannel should be worn next to the skin.
St. Vitus' Dance or Chorea.— A nervous disease, characterized by involuntary twitching movements in all parts of the body. It is closely connected with rheumatism, frequently following on rheumatic fever, and associated with heart disease. It is common amongst the poorer classes, especially amongst those who do not get sufficient food and rest.
Treatment.—In many cases rest and good food will effect a cure. Cod-liver oil will help, but other medicines should be taken under medical advice. An attack usually lasts about two months, but it may go on for two years or more.
Sciatica.—Rub the limb well with chillie paste or belladonna liniment. Pure chloroform applied in the same manner will often give relief when other liniments fail. Give iodide of potassium in 3 grain doses, combined with 30 drops of compound tincture of cinchona 3 or 4 times a day. Salicylate of soda in 10-grain doses every 4 hours is very useful in severe cases. Injection of half a grain of cocain into the nerve will sometimes cure sciatica at once, but this kind of treatment should only be used under medical advice.
Scurf or Dandruff.—See Baldness.
Snoring and Snuffles result from impediment to breathing, either through the nose (closed nose) or through the throat. If they are persistent, and not merely due to temporary catarrh, a doctor should be consulted, as very probably there is a spongy growth (adenoids) at the back of the throat, with or without enlargement of the tonsils. This may require removal to effect a cure. Any impediment to free respiration in children and young growing people is most detrimental to their growth and development.
Sore Throat.—The commonest form is that due to cold or catarrh.
