"An alternative, drugless, self-help method of understanding and treatment of most illnesses" "175 years of experience of some of the most brilliant medical doctors and teachers"

Herbert M.Shelton Introduction & disease index Ask Dr. Bass Chapter VII - Acute "Infections" Chapter VIII - Constitutional Affections Chapter IX - Affections of the Digestive Organs Chapter X - Affections of the Respiratory System Chapter XI- Affections of the Heart and Circulatory System Chapter XII- Affections of the Blood Chapter XIII- Affections of the Ductless Glands Chapter XIV- Affections of the Urinary System Chapter XV- Affections of the Male Reproductorium Chapter XV- Affections of the Female Reproductorium Chapter XVII- Affections of the Muscles Chapter XVIII- Affections of the Bones and Joints Chapter XIX- Affections of the Eyes Chapter XX- Affections of the Ears

Excerpts from ORTHOPATHY by Herbert M. Shelton Chapter XXI Affections of the Skin - continued AFFECTIONS OF THE OIL DUCTS ASTEATITIS COMEDONES (Blackheads) CRUSTA LACTEA (Milk crust) MILIUM (Grutum) SEBORRHEA SEBORRHEA SICCA (Dandruff) AFFECTIONS OF THE SWEAT GLANDS ANIDROSIS BROMIDROSIS (Osmidrosis) CHROMIDROSIS HEMATIDROSIS HYDROCYSTOMA HYPERIDROSIS SUDAMEN URIDROSIS AFFECTIONS OF THE HAIR ALOPECIA (Baldness) ALOPECIA AREATA CANITIES (Gray hair) AFFECTIONS OF THE NAILS ATROPHY OF THE NAILS LEUCONYCHIA ONYCHIA ONYCHORRHEXIS ONYCHAUXIS PANARIS SKIN AFFECTIONS CAUSED BY OUTSIDE AGENTS ARGYRIA CHAPPED SKIN ECCYMOSIS (Black-eye) FROSTBITE INTERTRIGO (chafing) MILIARIA (Prickly heat) PERNIO (Chilblain) SUNBURN NEOPLASMS OF THE SKIN EPITHELIOMA CYSTS FATTY TUMOR (lipoma) FIBROMA STEATOMA (Wen) PARASITIC SKIN AFFECTIONS BOTFLY ERYTHRASMA GROUND ITCH HARVEST MITE PEDICULOSIS (Lousiness) PORK MEASLES RINGWORM SCABIES (Itch) STRAW ITCH TINEA FAVOSA (Favus) TINEA VERSICOLOR (Chromophytosis) HOW TO SEARCH FOR A WORD ON THIS PAGE: click "Edit"/"Find (on this page)" in the browser menu at top. IF YOUR DISEASE IS MISSING: Note that disease terminology may have changed since 1941. Also note that, as Dr. Bass writes in "How important is diagnosis?" - drug-free healing/detox can reverse all of a person's diseases, known or unknown, also without correct name or diagnosis (unless too far gone). LEARN MORE ABOUT ORTHOPATHY 1. Read article by Dr. Shelton: HOW DISEASES ARE CURED 2. Learn about dietary methods - download pdf-file: REMARKABLE RECOVERIES FROM SEVERE HEALTH PROBLEMS 3. Learn about rest, sleep & fasting methods - read MY FIRST WATER FAST   INTRODUCTION "Orthopathy" by Dr. Herbert M. Shelton contains a comprehensive analysis of most known diseases, and a general classification and guide to their treatment, based upon a natural wholistic interpretation and approach. Dr. Shelton represents one of the world's greatest authorities in "Natural Hygiene", a philosophy and method of living according to the laws of life and Nature's plan for men's highest health and happiness, compiled from 175 years of experience of some of the most brilliant medical doctors and teachers. He was also the foremost authority on the use of fasting in the treatment of diseases, in which he supervised approximately 50,000 cases. This natural approach, interpretation and nutritional treatment of disease, is presented here on the internet, I believe, for the first time to the general public as well as professionals, for those who are interested in an alternative, drugless, self-help method of understanding and treatment of most of men's illnesses.   Stanley S. Bass,   N.D. D.C. Ph.C., Ph.D., D.O., D.Sc., D.D.,   5-05,   www.drbass.com "All of these affections of the sweat glands are to be cared for alike. The remedy is: remove the cause ... by freeing the body of toxemia and reforming the mode of living, particularly the mode of eating. Abandon overeating and stop the use of stimulants."

Chapter XXI- Affections of the Skin Chapter XXIb- Affections of the Hair, Nails, Skin Chapter XXII- Tumors Chapter XXIII- Cancers Chapter XXIV- Affections due to Parasites Chapter XXV- Physical Agents and Intoxications Chapter XXVI- Care of Wounds Chapter XXVII- Poisonous Bites and Stings Chapter XXVIII- Accidents and Emergencies Chapter XVI - Brain & Nervous System

Affections of the Skin by Herbert M. Shelton DP ND DC DNT DNSc DNPh DNLitt PhD DOrthop THE HYGIENIC SYSTEM ORTHOPATHY Chapter 21 - continued AFFECTIONS OF THE OIL DUCTS ASTEATITIS Definition: This is a symptomatic affection of the oil glands. Symptoms: There is a diminution or total absence of the oil, resulting in a dry, harsh, and frequently scaling skin. It frequently accompanies psoriasis, scleroderma, prurigo, ichthyosis, and leprosy. Top COMEDONES (Blackheads) Definition: These are plugs of oil or sebum which form in the oil ducts of the skin. There is usually an overgrowth of the lining membrane of the ducts, and added to the plug may be scales from this membrane. It. is sometimes called a "flesh worm." Symptoms: Blackheads are occasionally seen in children, even in babies, and in later life, but are most common in puberty and young adults. They may be either slightly elevated or slightly depressed, and are yellowish, bluish, brown or black in color. The nose, cheeks, and forehead are their most common locations. They are sometimes seen in the temples, ears, neck, back and chest, or wherever oil glands are present. They may be single, or with a "head" attached to two or more plugs; may be few or numerous; and upon pressure, exude a slender body, colored at its outer end, its body yellowish or white, its lower end white and soft. Top CRUSTA LACTEA (Milk crust) Definition: This is seborrhea of the scalp in infants — an abnormal secretion of the oil glands in the face and scalp. Symptoms: Though sometimes developing soon after birth, it most frequently develops during dentition. It consists of irregular groups of little pustules on the face and scalp, which discharge a viscid and yellowish or greenish fluid. At times, there is intense itching. Top MILIUM (Grutum) Definition: A functional affection of the oil glands. Symptoms: It presents small, round, yellowish, or pearl-white, non-inflamed elevations in the skin. They appear chiefly on the face and their contents cannot be squeezed out until an opening is made. In this, they differ from blackheads with which they are frequently associated. They often develop under scars. The elevations are about the size of millet seed, hence the name. They feel gritty to the touch, hence the name grutum (grit). Etiology: They result from the retention and hardening of the oil secretion in the ducts of the oil glands, the outlets of which have become closed. Top SEBORRHEA Definition: This is an increase, decrease, or alteration in the secretion of the oil ducts of the skin. Two forms are described: Seborrhea Oleosa is an excessive oiliness of the skin, which is usually seen upon the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks, and nose. The duct mouths are enlarged and often the superficial blood vessels also. The settling dust causes the face to appear dirty and begrimed. Top SEBORRHEA SICCA (Dandruff) Definition: An excessive scaling of the skin, particularly of the scalp, as a result of a decrease or absence of skin oil. The condition is seen largely in older people, but occasionally it is seen on the head and eyebrows of babies. In adults it may also develop on the hairless surfaces. The scales are yellowish or grayish. Often dandruff and falling hair are associated symptoms. When on the scalp it is frequently associated with falling hair, though there may be considerable dandruff with loss of hair. Care of the Patient: Locally, cleanliness is all that is required. Constitutionally, toxemia and its causes must be removed. A healthy skin is not troubled with any of these functional short-comings or excesses. Cleanliness will both prevent and remedy milium in infants. In adults, cleanliness will prevent it, but the whiteheads may require puncturing and squeezing out if they have been allowed to form. Top AFFECTIONS OF THE SWEAT GLANDS ANIDROSIS Definition: This is a deficiency of sweat. It is a symptom and is seen in fevers, diabetes, certain skin affections, and in cases of lowered nerve tone. Top BROMIDROSIS (Osmidrosis) Definition: A functional affection of the sweat glands characterized by the secretion of sweat of an offensive odor. Symptoms: An offensive odor, chiefly of the feet and in the axillae, and often associated with excessive sweating are the, characteristic symptoms. Top CHROMIDROSIS Definition: A functional affection characterized by the secretion of colored sweat. Symptoms: The sweat is most commonly red or yellow. The face and trunk are most frequently affected. It is often associated with excess sweating. Top HEMATIDROSIS Definition: This is bloody sweating occurring usually in young hysterical women, upon the hands, feet, face, ears, and umbilicus, due to hemorrhage into the sweat pores. Top HYDROCYSTOMA Definition: This is the development upon the face and neck of discrete firm vesicles, due to obstruction of the sweat glands. The ducts become dilated. It is seen most often in washer-women, appears in summer and disappears in winter Top HYPERIDROSIS Definition: Excessive sweating. Symptoms: Excessive sweating is the primary symptom. Prickly heat, eczema or intertrigo often ensue in its wake. Local hyperidrosis is most frequently seen in the hands, feet and axillae. Unilateral sweating of the face is sometimes seen. Etiology: Marked debility, tuberculosis, affections of the sympathetic nervous system and aneurysm are given as causes. These are effects — effects of enervation and toxemia. Overeating, too much fluid intake, the use of tea, coffee, fat and alcoholics lead to excessive sweating. Top SUDAMEN Definition: An affection of the skin characterized by the eruption of minute vesicles, resulting from the retention of sweat in the upper layers of the skin. Symptoms: Minute, irregular, translucent vesicles appear on the skin. They are not surrounded by an area of inflammation and do not rupture, but dry up and are followed by slight desquamation. Etiology: It is often seen in healthy persons who sweat profusely and is seen in febrile crises, like pneumonia and typhoid, that are associated with sweating. Top URIDROSIS Definition: This is sweating of urinary constituents, seen in suppression of the urine, as in nephritis, cholera, and certain nervous affections. Care of the Patient: All of these affections of the sweat glands are to be cared for alike. The remedy is: remove the cause. The underlying systemic impairment should be removed by freeing the body of toxemia and reforming the mode of living, particularly the mode of eating. Cut out excessive water drinking, stop the use of tea, coffee, alcoholics, cease the excessive use of fats, abandon overeating and stop the use of stimulants. Normal nerve energy will soon end these troubles. Locally, cleanliness is the only need. Top AFFECTIONS OF THE HAIR ALOPECIA (Baldness) Definition: This is partial or complete loss of hair and is also known as calvities. In rare cases all the hair on the body is lost. Symptoms: Partial or complete baldness is the rule in the aged. The hair begins to thin at the brow or crown and progressing from these points, the head or much of it loses all of its hair. In congenital cases, baldness is usually only partial. Etiology: No cause for congenital baldness is known. Baldness in "old age" is considered normal and is probably as normal as toothlessness in old age. It is considered to result from changes "due to senility" or some degree of atrophy of the scalp and hair follicles. Senility and atrophy are due to chronic toxemia. Hair is often lost in anemia, diabetes, chronic intoxications and various affections, as well as in seborrhea, psoriasis, folliculitis, and ringworm of the scalp. These things account for but few cases of baldness. Hair is often lost rapidly during or immediately after fever. The fact is that the cause of most cases of baldness is still unknown. Care of the Patient: Once bald-headed, always baldheaded is the rule. I have seen one case of spontaneous regrowth of hair on the head of an aged man who had been baldheaded for, more than twenty years. Hair lost during or immediately after a serious acute affection like typhoid, usually (though not always) grows back immediately after normal health is restored. There is no way to restore lost hair and no known way to prevent its loss, once it begins to fall out. Better health and better nutrition should help. Top ALOPECIA AREATA Definition: This is localized areas of baldness without skin lesions. Symptoms: Usually appearing in early adult life, it is usually confined to the scalp, but may develop in the eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, or other hairy parts of the body. The patches appear suddenly or gradually. Etiology: This is unknown. Parasites and neurosis are often blamed. Care of the Patient: If the condition develops in children, these usually recover after a variable time — months to years — ; but in adults recovery is rare. Build up the general health. Top CANITIES (Gray hair) Definition: This is a skin atrophy resulting immediately from loss of pigment in the hair. Symptoms: Though considered normal in advanced life (canities senilis), premature graying may occur even in adolescence. Albinism is a congenital form. The hair may become gray in spots or patches, or it may involve all the hair of the head or body, and the loss of color may be partial or complete. Etiology: The loss of hair pigment usually takes place slowly, though in some instances, its loss is comparatively rapid. Enervation and poisoning of the pigment secreting glands is the probable cause of graying. Prognosis: Once developed it usually remains, though occasional cases are recorded. Where the hair returned to its original color or to some other dark color. The existence of such cases, though rare, points to the possibility that someday, a way may be found to restore normal color to gray hair. Care of the Patient: There is nothing to do except adopt a wholesome mode of living and stick to it. Top AFFECTIONS OF THE NAILS Like the hair, nails are outgrowths or appendages of the skin. Hard as they are, they are liable to affections of the nail-bed and matrix. These arise from the same toxic states and nutritive deficiencies that produce trouble elsewhere in the body. Top ATROPHY OF THE NAILS Atrophia unguis, as this is called, may be either congenital or acquired. In the congenital form the nail may be defective or distorted or absent from birth. In the acquired form, which is more common, the nails become thin, narrowed, furrowed, crumbly and distorted and lose their transparency. The condition is symptomatic of constitutional impairment and is seen in prolonged fevers, psoriasis, eczema and ringworm. Top LEUCONYCHIA Definition: This is white-spotted nails (leucopthia unguium). Symptoms: White areas on the nails are very common and are often the occasion for much mental distress. Rarely are the spots general. They are thought to be due to interference with the normal process of change to a horny substance, caused by injury, defective nutrition and illness. Slight injury to the nail-bed, and, especially, to the matrix, as in manicuring, causes them to appear. The spots cannot be removed and care should be exercised to avoid the injury. Top ONYCHIA Definition: This is inflammation of the matrix (paronychia) and may be either acute or chronic. It may affect one or several nails. Acute onychia follows contusion of the nail, where the matrix is bruised. It is very painful and if the matrix is seriously damaged, may result in shedding of the nail. Chronic onychia is a low-grade inflammation developing in those who are forced to keep their bands more or less constantly in water. It may also be seen in certain types of malnutrition. One or several fingers may be involved. There is slight redness, swelling, little pain, no pus, and, if allowed to continue, deformity of the nails. Top ONYCHORRHEXIS Definition: This is splitting of the nails and is usually due to defective local or general nutrition, or to constant use of the bands in water. Top ONYCHAUXIS Definition: This is hypertrophy of the nails (hyperonychia). Symptoms: There is enlargement of the nail, either in length, breadth or thickness, or any combination of these. The nails of the big toes are especially liable to hypertrophy and marked darkening. Top PANARIS Definition: This is commonly called whitlow or felon and is applied to inflammation of the bone or bone covering, but is also correctly applied to inflammation of structures about the nail (paronychia) which is usually associated with inflammation of the matrix. It is common in washerwomen and scrubwomen, in diabetes, arsenic poisoning, glossy skin, leprosy, Reynaud's "disease," and other affections. Acute inflammation, redness, swelling and agonizing, throbbing pain are the symptoms. Pus forms and burrows around under the nail, which becomes thickened and discolored and is, finally, shed. The new nail may be normal but frequently is deformed. Care of the Patient: Remove all causes of impaired health and protect the nails from further injury. Top SKIN AFFECTIONS CAUSED BY OUTSIDE AGENTS ARGYRIA Definition: A bluish-gray or slate-gray discoloration of the skin and deep tissues resulting from chronic silver poisoning and most pronounced in the exposed parts. The condition is less common now than in the days when silver was administered in nervous "diseases." The discoloration first shows up in the gums which are discolored and swollen. The discoloration is permanent. Top CHAPPED SKIN Definition: A cracked and roughened skin. Symptoms: The skin becomes dry, rough, broken and painful. Some of the cracks or fissures are quite deep and bleeding often occurs. Washing tends to aggravate the trouble. Cracking of the lips is frequently a source of much annoyance, pain and bleeding. In many cases the crack lasts throughout the winter months. The crack may be in the middle, on one side, or at the corner of the lips. Often the fissure is deep and stretching the lips tends to tear it and prevent healing. There may be no scar but sometimes a well-marked scar develops. Etiology: Exposure to cold air and wind, especially without careful drying of the skin after bathing, soap, and the overuse of hot water are the most common external causes. Vigorous skin health prevents chapping under all ordinary conditions. Soap and hot water rob the skin of its oil and leaves it dry. Some people are troubled as much by chapping in winter as others are by sunburn in summer. It is most common in those having delicate skins and is seen most often on the hands, cheeks and lips. Care of the Patient: Cut out the use of soap. Use few hot baths, keep the affected parts out of water as much as possible. Thoroughly dry the body, face and hands after bathing and washing. Protect the chapped portions from wind. But, most of all, build up the general health with better diet and hygiene; in the case of the lips, avoid stretching the lips so that the crack may heal. Top ECCYMOSIS (Black-eye) Definition: This term is applied not only to black-eye but to other purplish or black-and-blue patches in the skin, due to changes in the blood that has passed from the blood-vessels into the skin. Most cases are due to blows; but the condition is seen in whooping cough in children and chronic bronchitis in adults. It may also occur in arterial degeneration. Top FROSTBITE Definition: A local inflammation of the skin and deeper structures resulting from prolonged exposure to great cold. Symptoms: There are three degrees of frost-bite as follow: First degree: This is a mere redness or erythema. Second degree: This presents much swelling and lividity with the formation of blisters and ulceration. Usually the surrounding tissues are considerably inflamed. Third degree: This presents pallor of the parts, which lose their sense of feeling, though there may often be intense pain in the parts above the frostbite. The frozen parts becomes cold, swollen and puffy, then discolored and shriveled, with the formation of the typical line of separation between gangrenous and non-gangrenous tissue produced by a protective inflammatory wall. The fingers, being small, and far from the circulatory centers, are the parts most often frostbitten, except the ears and nose. The feet are also frequent sites of frostbite. Etiology: Poor circulation, with poor tone of the blood vessels predisposes the individual to frostbite. Alcoholism also renders one more liable to its development. Exposure to cold produces frostbite in a susceptible individual. Care of the Patient: Sudden application of warmth causes much pain and severe inflammation. The parts are best rubbed with snow or cold water in a cold room. The temperature of the room should be slowly increased. When warmth has returned to the parts, they may be wrapped in flannel to keep them warm, but no heat should be applied. The blisters need not be evacuated, although evacuation probably produces no harm. Top INTERTRIGO (chafing) Definition: This is a hyperemia of the skin caused by friction of surfaces that rub one upon the other. It is especially common in children and fat, people. Lack of cleanliness, friction, the fat-"disease" (sweating, in the folds of babies suffering with fat-bloat), perspiration and friction, as under hanging breasts, between the upper parts of the thighs, and around the sexual organs, frequently produce chafing. Diffuse redness, a sensation of heat, irritation and usually, some degree of moisture are the common symptoms. If the cause continues, a definite dermatitis results. Care of the Patient: Cleanliness and dryness are the immediate needs. Reduction in weight is essential in most cases. Top MILIARIA (Prickly heat) Definition: This is an acute inflammation of the sweat glands accompanied by prickling, tingling and burning of an aggravated character. It is also known as miliaria rubra, and miliaria alba. Symptoms: It is common in hot weather and is seen most often in fat adults who perspire freely. It disappears when the weather becomes cool. There is a fine, burning, itching eruption. Overclothing, flannel clothing, tight clothing, over-eating, bottle-feeding of infants, and any health-impairing influence may induce the condition. Care of the Patient: Cleanliness and less fluid soon remedy the trouble. Fatty foods, coffee, tea, beer, etc., should be specially avoided. Top PERNIO (Chilblain) Definition: A chronic skin inflammation and swelling resulting from frost-bite. Symptoms: Chilblain is seen in various grades ranging from a mere transient redness to a deep destruction of tissues. The usual case presents redness, swelling, itching and intense burning, the parts being shiny and cold to the touch. Vesicles and deep ulceration may occur in the worst cases. The fingers and toes may develop a sausage-like appearance. Exposure to artificial heat causes intense stinging and burning or itching. The extremities — fingers and toes — and the ears and nose are the parts commonly affected. Etiology: Chilblain is due to exposure to cold and damp. A sudden change from a low to a high temperature seems to be the chief cause. Anemic individuals and those with poor circulation are most likely to suffer. Care of the Patient: Prevention. Care for as instructed under frost-bite. Remedy. Keep the feet dry and gradually innure them to cold. Vigorous use of the feet, as in walking and running, will build up the circulation in them and gradually overcome the tendency to frost-bite. Top SUNBURN This is a very common skin affection during the summer months, practically all people have experienced some degree of it at one time or another in their lives. Undue exposure to the sun's rays, especially before preparatory graded exposure has built up a protective tan, results in sun-burn. Burning is easiest in blondes and red heads, and in the mountains or in water where the rays are stronger. Various degrees of burn occur. A moderate redness of the skin is a normal, healthy reaction and produces no harm. Beyond this there may be severe skin inflammation, with swelling and large blister formations, accompanied by high fever. In all degrees there later follows shedding of the skin, sometimes in large sheets. Gradual exposure prevents sunburn. Care of the Patient: Cold cream, sweet, unsalted butter and other things are smeared on the skin. These palliate the discomfort but do no good. The main thing is to stay out of the sun until the skin is healed. Top NEOPLASMS OF THE SKIN Definition: The term neoplasm means new growth and is applied to tumors, cancers, cysts, etc., of which several may develop on the skin in almost any location. Top EPITHELIOMA Definition: This is skin cancer. There are a few varieties of epithelial cancer or carcinoma as follow: Deep-seated Epithelioma; Papillary Epithelioma; and Superficial Epithelioma (rodent ulcer). See Cancer and Tumors. Top CYSTS Definition: These are usually sacs in the skin formed by the closing up of the hair follicles and oil glands or their ducts, due to retention of the oil. Small, millet-seed sized, white cysts of the sweat glands are common. The larval stage of the hog-tape-worm may result in the formation of a skin cyst. Symptoms: These are painless, non-inflammatory enlargements, filled with fluid. Etiology: Dermoid cysts are comparatively rare and are congenital cysts sometimes having in them hair or other skin elements or appendages. Larval cysts result from the encapsulation of the larval tapeworm received from pork. Other cysts are probably due to inflammatory obstruction of a follicle or duct. Care of the Patient: It is usually best to open the cyst and destroy its sac. They may often be absorbed by fasting. Top FATTY TUMOR (lipoma) Definition: This is a non-malignant tumor composed of fat cells bound together by delicate fibrous or connective tissue. One or more may be present. See Tumors. Top FIBROMA This is a connective tissue growth situated in the true skin and subcutaneous tissues. A fibroma may be soft or firm and may range in size from that of a split-pea to that of an egg. They often become pendulous, in which case there may be ulceration. See Tumors. Top STEATOMA (Wen) Definition: This is a sac composed of a distended oil gland or duct, filled with the oily matter from the gland. Symptoms: Wens are painless, round or oval elevations ranging from the size of a pea to as large as an egg. They occur most often on the scalp, but also on the face, neck and back. They may remain stationary for years, or may grow slowly, or undergo inflammation and suppuration. Care of the Patient: They should be evacuated and the sac removed. If the envelope is not removed the cyst re-forms. The frequent advice to break them is not sound. Top PARASITIC SKIN AFFECTIONS In discussing skin affections due to parasites we shall devote no space to mere bites like those of the bed bug, gadfly, or other flies, chigger, mosquito, tick, flea, etc., and stings like those of the browntail moth (caterpillar dermatitis) or the ant, etc. These things are evanescent and require no attention. Top BOTFLY This fly deposits its eggs in the skin, where a painful boil-like swelling results, which may suppurate. The larvae are usually expelled with the pus; after which one only needs to await healing. The botfly is common in the tropics. Top ERYTHRASMA Definition: A rare skin affection caused by a vegetable fungus, the microsporon. Symptoms: It appears as small, round or irregular, well-defined, slightly bran-like patches which are reddish brown in color. These develop usually in the arm pits and groins and between the hips and thighs in the rear. They are accompanied by intense itching, are slowly progressive, and may last for years. Top GROUND ITCH Definition: This is a vesicular dermatitis seen among barefoot workers in India, and other tropical and subtropical parts of Asia, and, less frequently, in America. Symptoms: It is characterized by swelling and itching preceding the eruption which is first papular or macular and later becomes vesicular. It affects, almost entirely, the feet. Etiology: It is considered to be the result of the entrance of a type of hookworm into the skin. Top HARVEST MITE This little mite, also called mower's mite, harvest tick, and red bug, is the larval state of certain ticks found upon grasses and bushes during the summer and autumn. It is brick-red or yellowish in color. They get onto the legs and thighs where they either burrow beneath the skin or burrow their heads into the openings of hair follicles, causing intense itching. Their removal ends the discomfort, as they are not poisonous. Top PEDICULOSIS (Lousiness) Definition: This is infestation by lice, pediculi: it is also called phthiriasis. Three varieties are described. Pediculosis capitis (head-lice) is the presence, on the scalp, of head lice, or their ova or "nits." They cause severe itching which leads to scratching, and this causes the formation of excoriations, with either serous, purulent or bloody discharge. The exudate dries into crusts and mats the hair together. A foul odor usually accompanies. Irritation often causes the glands in the back of the neck to enlarge and sometimes to suppurate. More often this occurs on the back part of the head. Frequently there are papules, pustules and excoriations scattered about the face and neck. Pediculosis corporis (body lice) is lice on the body. These are larger than head lice. They hide in the seams of the underclothing and deposit their eggs where they hatch in about 6 days. The louse gets out upon the skin only when searching for food. Crawling upon the skin, it causes intense itching which results in scratching, making lines or marks (excoriations), blood crusts, and, in chronic cases, pigmentation and thickening of the skin. The shoulders, chest, waist and thighs are most affected. Pediculosis pubis (crab lice or pubic lice) is lice in the hairs of the genital region. These are the smallest of the lice. These lice fasten themselves to the hair of the pubic region, where they cling tenaciously while burying their heads deeply in the orifices of their follicles. The pubes and perineum are usually involved. Occasionally the armpits and the hairy region of the chest, and even the eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard are involved. Itching is intense and is accompanied by hemorrhagic punctures, papules, and scratches about the affected parts. Top PORK MEASLES Definition: This is the larva of the taenia (pork tape-worm). Symptoms: They usually find their way into the skin of the trunk and limbs where they may remain unchanged for years. They cause tumor-like lesions, which are rounded, firm, and elastic, ranging in size from a pea to a walnut. Top RINGWORM Definition: This is a common skin affection caused by the presence in the skin of a vegetable parasite called tinea trichophytina. There are six varieties. Tinea circinata is ringworm of the body. It begins as one or more rounded or irregular pea-sized hyperemic scaly patches. These form into a circle in a few days with very small papules or vesicles around the outside. The patches heal in the center as they spread from their outer borders. Adjacent patches may coalesce, producing ring-shaped patches of skin that overlap or fold over each other. They are pink or red in color, with slightly elevated borders and, upon scaling, give off bran-like flakes. Itching is usually slight. Tinea circinata cruris is ringworm of the thighs. This begins and develops as does tinea circinata. Tinea Cruris (eczematoid ringworm) is so-called washerwoman's itch. It is very common and resembles intertrigo. There are macular, vesicular, papular, scaling, macerated (soft from cooking) and callous (like keratosis) types. It is common for several forms to develop in the same individual. The thigh, pubes, (around but not in the hairy region), the penis, labia, scrotum, perineum, arms, and the cleft between the buttocks as far up as the sacrum are common locations for the vesicular type. Extreme itching may be present around the labia, anus, and buttocks. The macular form is especially likely to develop under hanging breasts, between the toes, between the penis and scrotum, and between the buttocks. The feet is the location of the callous type. Tinea trichophytina unguium is ringworm of the nails. Ring-worms form under the nails. Tinea tonsuraus is ringworm of the scalp. This begins as does tinea circinata and may occur anywhere upon the hairy scalp, often producing partial baldness. Tinea sycosis is ringworm of the beard or barber's itch and was discussed elsewhere. Top SCABIES (Itch) Definition: This is the well-known "seven-year itch." It is an itching of the skin due to the itch mite, sarcoptes scabiei. Symptoms: Small papules, vesicles or pustules form at points where the mite enters the skin. Slightly dark elevations of the skin show along the course of the burrow, which varies in length from one-eighth to one-half of an inch. Well marked cases also present various forms of eruptions — papules, vesicles, pustules, crusts, excoriations (raw areas from scratching), and thickening of the skin. In extreme cases the skin may look like the bark of a tree. There is intense itching which is worse at night or when warm. Much inflammation may develop in children with sensitive skins. The affection commonly starts between the fingers or toes from where it rapidly spreads, often reaching advanced stages in a week or two. The front surfaces of the wrists, the flexor surfaces of the extremities, the armpits, the breasts of women, the navel, buttocks and penis, are other common locations. Etiology: Scabies may be acquired at any age and is transferred by direct contact, or by bed clothes, towels, toilet seats, etc. It is common among people who live in filth. The mite is a yellowish-white parasite, barely visible to the unaided eye; the female being twice the size of the male. The mite burrows beneath the skin and then burrows, either in a straight or zigzag line in the skin. Along the course of these burrows she deposits her eggs and excreta. She perishes but the eggs hatch in eight to ten days and the new mites make burrows of their own in which they also deposit eggs and waste. The new crop matures and repeats the process and in this way the affection spreads. Top STRAW ITCH Definition: This is a skin eruption produced by a minute animal parasite, a mite that is received from cereal or straw. Symptoms: Mild systemic symptoms sometimes precede the eruption. These are general restlessness, loss of appetite, slight fever, and sometimes vomiting. The eruption occurs chiefly as wheels, many of which are crowned by a central vesicle from the size of a pin point to considerably larger. Frequently the eruption consists of barely raised, red, hive-like macules or edematous papules. These quickly become pustular and closely resemble the vesicles of chickenpox. The eruption is of rose tint, usually profuse, covering the trunk and lower limbs, but varying in extent. Rarely a few eruptions develop on the face, seldom on the hands and feet. There is intense itching. Etiology: Straw-itch develops in the United States usually between May and October, in farmers, harvest hands, laborers, etc., who come in contact with the mite in the grain field, granary or store house, in stacking, baling, or otherwise handling the straw. Shippers, porters and others who carry the grain in sacks; those who use straw in packing, by contact with the straw; and those who sleep on straw bedding. Some of the most severe cases have developed in those who sleep on straw mattresses. The mite lives upon the larvae of grain-destroying insects. Top TINEA FAVOSA (Favus) Definition: This is a skin affection largely confined to the scalp, caused by the presence of a vegetable parasite; occasionally found on non-hairy sections of the body and the nails, causing these to become thickened, brittle, yellow and opaque. Symptoms: There is diffuse or confined superficial inflammation, with scaling, around the hair follicles. This is soon followed by the formation of yellowish crusts about the size of pin-heads. The crusts increase to the size of peas, are sulphur yellow color, pierced by a hair, and become cup-shaped. When removed from the scalp a shining, reddened, cup-shaped and atrophied excavation, which is often in a state of suppuration, is revealed. When the excavation heals it leaves a scar and results in more or less permanent baldness. The crusts may be scattered or may run together forming irregularly horny-comb-like patches. They give off a peculiar odor resembling that of a mouse or damp straw. The hair loses its lustre, becomes dry and brittle and tends to split or break off or to fall out. Itching of varying intensity is usually present. Top TINEA VERSICOLOR (Chromophytosis) Definition: This is "Liver spots" and is closely allied with ringworm but is not a true ringworm. It is due to a vegetable parasite. Symptoms: Though usually found on the trunk, in rare cases it may develop on the neck, arm, armpit and face. It begins as yellowish, pin-head to pea-sized macules which are scattered over the affected sections. Within a few weeks or months these increase in size and run together forming large, irregularly shaped patches, with sharply defined edges. Usually fawn-hued they vary in color from pale yellow to brown, or may present a distinctly pink tint. A fine mealy scale covers the involved area, which, if not apparent, becomes noticeable upon scratching the surface. Itching is mild but usually persistent. It is seen chiefly in adults. Etiology: Parasitic skin affections are due to animal and vegetable parasites that come in contact with the skin, most often in filthy surroundings. Most of these parasites are powerless against normal skins of full resistance. A healthy skin and cleanliness constitute the best protection against them. A lowering of the powers of life, with abnormal nutrition and consequent slow and imperfect renewal of the tissues are essential before parasites can gain a foothold in the skin and thrive therein. When the skin is weakened and debilitated and ready to undergo de-generation, physiological scaling of the skin occurs prematurely and the skin fails to renew itself promptly and perfectly. This affords opportunity for parasitic invasion. The resulting inflammation, eruption, suppuration, etc., are efforts to dislodge them. Care of the Patient: Care consists of two general processes. The most important of these is that of increasing the skin's resistance by building up the general health, especially by improving nutrition. The second is that of killing the parasites. Lice may be killed by oil. Most parasites may be destroyed by ultraviolet rays. A paste made of lard or butter and sulphur and spread over ringworms speedily destroys these. Cleanliness is always essential. Top  Success of DETOXIFICATION = failure of drugs and other toxins   To learn more about drug-free healing, and the failure of drugs - read this article by Dr. Shelton: HOW DISEASES ARE CURED "What does the average individual know about keeping well? Almost nothing."  Examples of Remarkable Recoveries   Free download:- Dr. S Bass: REMARKABLE RECOVERIES FROM SEVERE HEALTH PROBLEMS - booklet presenting how raw foods and juices have been used clinically in medical institutions for over 150 years to help patients detoxify, and recover from cancer and other diseases.   (Note: this detox method is excellent for self-help. While fasting requires professional help for optimal results.)  SELF-HELP NOTE   This summary of diseases by Dr. Shelton is somewhat technical, and mainly compiled for doctors. For the basics of self-healing click here, or read the articles on Dr. Bass' website www.drbass.com. For self-help, read what doctors of Natural Hygiene & Orthopathy have written for 175 years, much of it is online. E.g. at soilandhealth.org (the Health Library) and non-profit INHS.. 2005 update: About the newest developments in drug-free healing & Natural Hygiene - e.g. primitive diets and the insulin mechanism - click here. Go to next chapter Ask Dr. Bass Index