Blotches on the face—flesh-worms—eruptions on the face. These are common names of frequent eruptions, consisting of small pimples, often containing matter, occurring chiefly on the face. The curing of facial eruptions can be seen as a measure of health rather than a vanity, as putrid skin is an indication of impure habits of the mind and body.
The causes of flesh-worms and eruptions are general vice. Intemperate use of spirituous liquors, excessive indulgence in eating, neglect of cleanliness, self sexual abuse, cold, menstrual irregularities, physiological changes (as puberty), the use of cosmetics, and chronic inflammation of the stomach and bowels, are the chief causes of this difficulty.
The Worm-Pimple, with Black Points—these are very unsightly, giving the skin an oily, greasy and dirty appearance. Their origin is to be traced to the obstruction of the glands placed immediately under the skin, from which a minute pipe carries off the perspiration. If squeezed violently between the nails, this thickened matter will be driven out, in the form of a yellowish-white worm, with a black head, which is nothing more that the extraneous matter just mentioned. They should be thoroughly pressed out of every pore.
When the eruptions are red, they are caused by a small insect working under the skin. Hygienic measures and the correction of faulty habits are of the first importance in this difficulty. Indigestion, menstrual derangement, debility, or any other constitutional or local affection should be corrected.
Daily out-of-door exercise is favourable to the cure. The private parts should be frequently washed or douched with hot water. All cosmetics, paints, etc, should be avoided.
Vigorously brushing the nodules with a tooth-brush and soft-soap is said to be exceedingly efficacious. The surface of the body should be bathed with a weak alkaline solution daily, composed of water and soda, or saleratus; or, in their absence, seop may be employed. As articles of diet, uncooked fruits and vegetables are recommended.
This information was taken from Vitalogy, a real medical book published in 1923. This column is for entertainment only and should not be taken as advice by anyone, ever.