and similar instruments should never be used for this
purpose. It is best for a doctor to remove foreign objects because
unskillful attempts are likely to move them further in.

CONDITIONS IN WHICH THE SKIN IS AFFECTED

PRICKLY-HEAT, which affects babies and children more often than adults,
is an eruption caused by heat and moisture, and aggravated by flannel
underwear. It may be prevented by keeping the skin dry and cool, and it
may be relieved by bathing the skin with alcohol and water, about one
part of alcohol to three of water, and by using after the bath a powder
made of two parts of starch to one of boracic acid, or any good talcum
powder.

INSECT BITES AND STINGS.--The sting, if still in the wound, should first
be removed, and then ammonia should be applied, since the poison is
generally acid. Applications of cold water, alcohol and water, or wet
salt may relieve the subsequent burning and itching, but ammonia is
generally most effective.

IVY POISONING may be treated by applying cloths wet in a strong solution
of baking soda or of boracic acid, or by applications of carbolized
vaseline or ichthyol. Severe cases should have medical attention.
Scratching and rubbing seem to spread the inflammation, and special care
should be taken not to rub the face or eyes with infected hands.
Susceptible people should avoid the plant if possible.

OTHER EMERGENCIES

CHILLS may be the result of infection or of exposure to cold. An early
diagnosis of the trouble is so desirable that it is well to send for a
doctor even when symptoms are not severe. If a person has a chill his
temperature should be taken at once; fever and chill together probably
indicate invasion by bacteria. When chills follow exposure to cold the
patient should go to bed between warm blankets, his body should be
briskly rubbed, and hot water bags and a hot drink should be given. If
he prefers, he may take a hot bath before going to bed.

CROUP is caused by a spasmodic closure of the larynx so that breathing
is impeded. The child who develops croup may have a slight cold, but
frequently shows no symptoms until he wakes in the night with a hoarse
ringing cough and difficult breathing. True croup, though often
distressing, is seldom serious, even when the symptoms are so severe
that the child appears to be partly suffocated. An emetic should be
given at once, preferably syrup of ipecac, one teaspoonful followed by
warm water, or ten drops every 15 mi