A large percentage of civilised communities suffer more or less from defective circulation. The symptoms of it are congestion of the small blood-vessels, as indicated by blueness of the exposed parts, such as the face and hands; tendency to chilblains, and a constant feeling of chilliness, and especially coldness of the hands and feet.
General Treatment.–The best way to counteract this condition is to take regular open-air exercise, and, when a good reaction can be obtained, to sponge all over with cold water in the morning, rubbing briskly with a rough towel afterwards until the whole surface of the skin is aglow.
Clothing should be sufficiently warm, and woollen underclothing is the best for many persons. Jaeger’s materials are excellent, and his plan of doubly protecting the middle line of the body by double folds in front is very good. But all persons are not tolerant of wool, and for them linen, cotton, or silk textures must be substituted. The Deimal and Lahmann fabrics are very pleasant to wear. Some people, however, find their feet warmer when wearing cotton stockings. It is a good plan to change the stockings frequently if the feet are at all moist.
Medicines.–(Three or four times a day.)
Calcarea carb. 6.–
In those subject to cold, clammy feet.
Nux v. 3.– Chilly subjects; like to be warmly wrapped up; sensitive to changes of temperature; irritable disposition.
Pulsatilla 3.– In fair subjects of mild disposition; though chilly, they cannot bear the heat of a fire, and throw off the bed-clothes at night.
Carb. veg. 6.– Especially in old people, with great vital depression.
Rhus t. 3.–
Great blueness of the surface; chilblains. When the state is due to poverty of the blood itself the treatment recommended for ANAEMIA will be beneficial. See also CHILBLAINS.
