The bed-room should be large and airy; free from currents of cold, but
well ventilated, and not hot. The room, also, must be darkened, on
account of the tenderness of the eyes; all noise excluded, and mental
excitement or irritation carefully avoided.
REGIMEN.--Little or no food must be allowed, and whatever is taken must
be of the simplest kind, and in a liquid form. Mild mucilaginous
drinks, and warm, may be given liberally; as barley-water, or thin
gruel, etc.
SPONGING, ETC.--The face, chest, arms, and hands should be sponged
occasionally with vinegar and warm water (one fourth and three
fourths). This will be productive of great comfort to the little
patient; it removes the heat, dryness, and itching of the skin, which
are often very distressing; and is especially useful at night in
relieving wakefulness. If the cough be troublesome, it will be useful
for the child to breathe the steam of warm water; not through an
inhaler, but over a large basin, with the head covered with flannel
large enough to hang over its edges. By this means the tender and
inflamed eyes will at the same time derive advantage from the soothing
effect of the vapour.
CAUTIONS.--Whenever the measles is known to be prevalent in a
neighbourhood, and a child manifests symptoms of cold in the head and
fever, it should at once be a reason for carefulness on the part of the
parent.
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