Page:Hints to mothers on home education (Bridges).djvu/55

 THE SKIN. 51 '

the quantity and temperature of the water, may be regulated at pleasure. It would, however, be judicious in using the shower bath to commence with warm water, for which, by degrees, cold may be substituted. In this way the system may be trained to the free use of cold water. After bathing, the skin should be wiped dry and briskly rubbed. Another form of bathing, is that in which the body, or a portion of it, is immersed in water. The temperature of the water may be modified to suit the sensations of the bather. This mode of bathing is designated according to the heat of the water. When the temperature is below 75 degrees, it is termed a cold bath; when from 75 to 85 degrees, a temperate bath; from 85 to 95 degrees, a tepid bath; from 95 to 98 degrees, a warm bath; from 98 to 105 degrees, a hot bath. In using this kind of bathing, the skin should be wiped dry and briskly rubbed. The length of time that a person may remain in a cold bath, with benefit, varies from two to ten minutes; while a person may remain in a temperate, tepid, or warm bath from ten to thirty minutes, or until special indications are exhibited. In order to increase and promote a re-action of the skin, various processes are resorted to, some of which are practised in the bath, and others after quitting it. The process of rubbing and brushing the skin are most common and important. The friction of the skin with flesh brushes or hair gloves, before taking the bath, will be found of great practical benefit, as well as friction on quitting the bath. In short, this friction with flesh brushes should never be omitted. Bathing preserves and promotes health by its immediate and remote physiological effects on the system. When the body is wetted with cold water from the sponge or shower bath, the skin instantly shrinks, and the whole of its tissue contracts. This contraction diminishes the capacity of the cutaneous