Affusion of the .entire body must be given with care. All parts, except the head, are sprinkled ; first the back, then the front. The body is sprinkled in the direction from the feet up (see Figs. 438, 439). This proce dure must not be resorted to in cases of cardiac, pulmonary, or cerebral disturbances ; nor in anemia and calcification of blood-vessels. The patient must be thoroughly dried and rubbed after the douche, whereupon he may take a walk or a rest in bed. This procedure is indi cated in nervousness, in func tional skin disturbances, and for the general hardening of the body.
The knees are sprinkled by pouring water from the feet upwards to a point immediately above the kneecap (see Fig. 440). The water should be cold. After rubbing and drying, the patient may walk or indulge in gymnastic exercises. This affu sion serves to divert blood from the head.
Affusion of the neck is given as indicated in Fig 441. The patient occupies a stooping pos ture over the tub, resting on his hands. Cold water is poured
over the neck, the shoulders, the arms, and the upper part of the back. This affusion may con veniently be given while the patient is taking a half-bath (see p. 257) of a temperature of 95° F. In that case the colder water should have a temperature of Go° to 75° F., and the chest should be included in the affusion process. Care must be exercised. This procedure is indicated in insidious lung affections, in congestion to the head, and for hardening the body.
WENS.—Small collections of fat beneath the skin. They are called also sebaceous cysts, and are usually hemispherical, hard, or elastic nodes. Their size varies between that of a pea and that of a walnut (rarely that of a fist), and they are covered by smooth or hairy skin. If located on the head, the hair of the skin covering them may fall off. Sebaceous cysts may become inflamed ; hence they should always be treated surgically. Their removal entails but a slight operation.