Osteopathy Complete
Elmer D. Barber, D. O.
1898
  
            
DISEASES OF THE SKIN
 
 
ECZEMA (SCALD-HEAD, SALT-RHEUM, MOIST OR RUNNING TETTER)
(Inflammation and scaling of the skin, with exudation of lymph from small vesicles, followed by
scaling off of the scarf-skin.)

TREATMENT
    This disease is caused by an obstruction to the lymphatic circulation, and is easily cured, except in rare instances, by thorough manipulation of the entire body, to free the circulation, being very thorough in the immediate region of the disease.
    The extremities, upon which the eczema makes its appearance, should be given strong flexion, abduction, adduction, rotation, and extension, and the diseased portion kneaded gently, but as thoroughly as conditions will permit.
    See Treatment to Equalize the Circulation.
    Treatment should be given each day, until recovery.
 



 
RASH
(Exanthematous eruptions of the skin.)
 
TREATMENT
    See Eczema.
 


 
BOILS
(Localized abscesses of the skin; a purulent tumor seated in the skin or subcutaneous tissue, painful and highly inflammatory, characterized by the formation and final expulsion of a fibrous mass of dead tissue called the core.)

TREATMENT
    See Eczema.
 



 
PIMPLES
(Small purulent elevations of the skin.)

TREATMENT
    See Eczema.
 



 
CARBUNCLE
(An inflammatory gangrenous tumor involving the skin and cellular tissue beneath and presenting
a large circumscribed inflamed area of the subcutaneous tissue.)

TREATMENT
    1.  Thorough but careful manipulation in the immediate region of the carbuncle, moving the muscles in all directions very deeply in an effort to free the circulation; move the carbuncle gently from side to side.
    2.  Should the carbuncle be located on the neck, place one hand under the chin, the other under the occipital boner and give slow but strong extension of the neck.
    3.  Give very gentle extension of the neck, rotating the head from side to side.
    4.  Should the carbuncle be located below the first dorsal, grasp the patient's shoulders, an assistant holding the feet, and give strong extension.
    Treatment should be given each day, and will occupy ten minutes.
 



 
PARONYCHIA, PANARITIUM, WHITLOW, OR FELON
(Inflammation arising in the phalanges of the fingers - rarely ever in the toes - generally advancing to suppuration.  Its seat may be in the skin, tendons, periosteum, or in the cellular tissue under the nail, or may affect the bone.  It may arise spontaneously, or may be caused by the prick of a needle, a pin, or a thorn.)

SYMPTOMS
    Burning, shooting, pain; swelling may arise, and may extend up the arm.

TREATMENT
    1.  Place one hand upon the shoulder, with the other grasp the elbow, the arm of the patient being flexed; rotate the arm slowly but strongly, bringing it forward, upward, close to the face and above the head, then outward and downward, thus stretching the muscles and freeing the circulation immediately over the axillary and brachial arteries and veins.
    2.  Grasp the patient's hand, giving the arm quite strong extension; at the same time, with the disengaged hand, beginning close to the axilla, move the muscles from side to side the entire length of the arm, thus freeing the venous and capillary circulation.
    3.  Manipulate the flesh in the immediate region of the felon, gently but very thoroughly, endeavoring to move the muscles immediately under the felon.
    This treatment will give immediate relief, and, unless the felon has reached an advanced stage, a speedy cure.
 



 
DERMATOMYCOSIS
(A vegetable parasitic disease of the skin.)

TREATMENT
    Thorough manipulation of the affected parts, with a view of freeing the circulation.
    Also Treatment to Equalize the Circulation.
 



 
DERMATORRHEA
(Morbid increase of skin-secretion.)

TREATMENT
    See Treatment to Equalize the Circulation.
 



 
OTHER SKIN DISEASES

    Almost all skin diseases, no matter by what name they may be designated, can always be benefited, and in the great majority of instances entirely cured, by applying the Treatment to Equalize the Circulation, and, where it is deemed necessary, such local treatment as their peculiarities may give reason for.  Included in these diseases may be mentioned, Acne, or Maggot-pimple; Xerodermia,  Androsis, or Dry Skin; Comedo, Face-worm, or Blackhead; Blebs; Dermatitis, or Cystitis; Pityriasis, Branny Tetter.  Dander, or Dandruff; Dermahemia; Dermatolysis; Dermatonosis; Dystrophy; Erythema; Pemphigus, Water-blebs, or Bladder Fever; Furuncles; Shingles, or Herpes Zoster; Scleroderma, or "Hide-bound"; Hyperidrosis, or Excessive Sweat; Impetigo, or Crusted Scall; Psoriasis, Scally Tetter, Dry Scale, Washerwoman’s Scall, or Baker's Itch; Sycosis, or Barber's Itch; Lichen; Tineae, or Ring-worm; Itching; and Melanopathia.