Should any dressing be put on the scalp?  No, for if the hair is washed and brushed, the oil from the scalp will keep it soft, glossy and healthful.

[All about baby 551]

QUESTIONS AND REMEDIES FOR SORE MOUTH.  CANKER.  THRUSH.

Explain more about thrush or sprue?  It is an inflammation of the mouth where small particles looking like milk curds appear on the tongue, gums and cheek.  This is really a more severe type of sore mouth, and is of a fungus origin.

Causes of sore mouth.  Uncleanness, failing to keep the mouth—­especially of bottle-fed infants—­and the nipples and bottles, clean.  Babies who are allowed to suck a “pacifier” or rag with sugar on it.  Thrush is parasitic in origin and is always due to uncleanness in bottles, nipples and the mouth, and is commonly associated with the stomach trouble.  Diarrhea frequently goes with it.

(See Mothers’ Remedies for Sore Mouth, Canker, etc., in general department).

Physicians’ treatment for Thrush.  Severe Sore Mouth. 1.  Boric acid in a saturated solution (five teaspoonfuls to a pint of distilled water) is a specific for it.

Dr. Tuley, of Louisville, Ky., says: 

2.  Powdered Borax 8 teaspoonfuls
      Strained Honey 3 teaspoonfuls
      Mix thoroughly.

3.  Glycerin 1 ounce
      Distilled water 1 ounce
      Boric Acid 2 drams

4.  Golden seal diluted one-half with boiled water makes an excellent mouth wash.  Also a weak solution of alum.  Use a piece of absorbent cotton or soft linen on your little finger or small round piece of wood and dip in solution and apply.  Dr. Douglas, of Detroit, advises the use of a soft brush.  This should be boiled after using.

5.  In Mild Cases of Sore Mouth.—­The medicines need not be as strong as for thrush.  One teaspoonful of boric acid or baking soda to a pint of boiled water is usually sufficient; wash after each nursing or four or five times a day.

6.  Powdered Borax 1 teaspoonful
     Powdered Sugar 4 teaspoonfuls

Put a pinch on the tongue every two or three hours.  The child’s tongue will work it around.  This avoids the pain from washing, etc.

7.  Another Mouth’ Wash.—­

Borax               1/2 teaspoonful
Tincture of Myrrh   1/2 teaspoonful
Glycerin              1 teaspoonful
Boiled water       enough for one ounce.

Apply gently to the inside of the mouth several times a day in thrush or any form of sore mouth or gums.  Use a camel’s hair brush.

[552 Mothers’ remedies]

WHAT CARE SHOULD BE GIVEN THE DIAPERS?

A diaper should never be used more than once without washing.  It should be removed as soon as it is wet and placed in a covered pail in the bathroom, etc., and washed at the first opportunity.  Pure white soap only should be used, and the diapers should be thoroughly rinsed and boiled.  Dry them in the sun and air and never before the nursery fire.  They should be warmed before they are again used.  Unclean, soiled diapers frequently cause chafing.