Children's Ailments.
Chicken Pox.

Chicken Pox is prevalent amongst the children at the present time. Luckily, this annoying disease usually occurs only once in a lifetime, but parents should be able to recognize it, if it happens to any of their children so that proper action may be taken. It is usually preceded by a feverish condition, and the eruption of white-headed pimples occurs on the breast, shoulders, face, scalp and body generally. The palate also is sometimes affected. It is very important that the pimples should not be scratched or rubbed by the patient, as this sometimes results in slight pitting. The irritation may be allayed by sponging the patient and applying an antiseptic talcum powder or carbolised oil to the affected areas.

Isolate the patient in a warm, well-ventilated room. Give a light, nourishing diet and copious drinks, such as water, fruit drinks, boiled water, etc.

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Sore Throats.

It is not good to treat a sore throat casually. If the pain is severe it may be a symptom of one of the dangerous diseases, in which case the doctor should, of course, be consulted. For instance, scarlet fever, quinsy and diptheria all affect the throat. If it is just the usual accompaniment of cold and catarrh, it is generally benefited by an inhalation of Friar's Balsam—a teaspoon to a pint of water.

General Treatment.—Keep in bed, in a warm, airy room, and out of draught. The nose should be kept as clear as possible. Handkerchiefs should not be used, but pieces of soft rag which should be burnt. The discharges are very highly infectious. An aperient may be given—castor oil, or some other usual medicine. Give a light, nourishing diet—plenty of drinks—water, barley water, fruit drinks, milk, etc. Soda-bicarbonate drinks may be given at the outset in an attempt to break up the cold. Take up to half a teaspoonful in a tumbler of water.

Coughs.—If there is a tickling or irritating cough, black-currant tea (made with jam or jelly and boiling water) has a soothing effect. Another good help in allaying the tickling is a mixture of glycerine, honey and lemon-juice. If a cough persists it is well to obtain medical advice.

After all, the best thing is to keep children from cold and damp, and the conditions which produce chills; warm feet are very important.