Fits. (Convulsions).—­Loosen all clothing.  Put something hard between the teeth to keep the patient from biting his tongue.  Allow plenty of sleep afterward.

In-growing toe-nails.  Causes.—­Pressure from improperly fitting shoes, or a wrong way of cutting the nails.  The flesh along the nails becomes inflamed.  Toe-nails should be cut straight across, and not trimmed too closely at the corners.

Treatment.—­Wear broad-toed shoes with low heels.  The high heels push the toes against the shoe and besides are unhealthy and dangerous in walking.

Hot poultices will relieve the inflammation and pain.  Soak the toe in hot water and push the flesh back from the nail.  Cotton under the edge and corner of the nail helps to keep it away.  Dust a boric acid powder, mixed with an equal quantity of starch flour, on the parts.  Mennen’s borated talcum powder is good.

Mother’s remedy. 1.  In-growing Toe-Nail, Popular Remedy for.—­“Shave a little common laundry soap and mix with a little cream and pulverized sugar, work to the consistency of salve and apply to the affected part night and morning.  It will take off the proud flesh in about ten days and then heal.  This is a good salve for bed-sores or cuts, that, have dirt in them, and will also draw out a splinter.  To prevent in-growing toe-nails, scrape the center of the nail very thin and cut a V in the top.  This will allow the nail to bend and the corners will have a chance to grow up and out.  Avoid short shoes and stockings.”  Anyone suffering from this dreaded thing will be willing to try anything that will give relief.  The above treatment is always at hand, and has been known to cure in severe cases.

[396 Mothers’ remedies]

Falls.—­If one has had a severe fall and is wholly or partially conscious, move as little as possible, in case of broken bones.  Remain in a comfortable position until proper aid can be given.  If unconscious stimulation may be necessary.

Fire in Clothing.—­Keep quiet, and away from a draught.  Wrap anything handy around him and roll him.  Leave only the head and face uncovered.  Keep mouth closed.

Choking. (Foreign bodies in the larynx).—­Produce vomiting.  Give an emetic, warm water, melted lard, vaselin or one teaspoonful of mustard in one-half glass of warm water and drink.  Tickle the throat with your finger or a feather.  For a child, sometimes by taking hold of the feet with the head down and give a few slight jerks frequently expels the foreign body.  Slap patient’s back.  The last resort is an operation,—­tracheotomy.

Mothers’ remedies. 1.  Choking, Fish Bone to Stop.—­“A fish bone stuck in the throat can often be dislodged by swallowing a raw egg or raw oyster.”

2.  Choking, Simple Remedy to Stop.—­“Hold both hands high above the head.  If necessary tap gently between the shoulders.”