Most of the serious and lasting diseases of the skin are caused by the attack of germs.

Perfect cleanliness and ventilation are the best protection against them all; but if you should be unfortunate enough to catch one of these diseases, your doctor will be able to give you the mild germicide or antiseptic that will kill the particular germ that may have lodged upon your skin.
The commonest form of inflammation of the skin is called _eczema_, and eight-tenths of all eczemas are due to some mild germ, and can be cured by the appropriate poison for it.
Other diseases, particularly of the scalp, such as _ringworm_ and _dandruff_, are due to other forms of vegetable germs, and may be cured by their proper poisons; while others, such as the so-called "prairie itch" (_scabies_), and lice in the hair, are due to the presence of tiny animal _parasites_.
The Hookworm.

Another disease which enters through the skin is the now famous _hookworm_, or blood-sucking parasite, which has been found to be so common in tropical regions and in our Southern States.

This parasite has the curious habit of attaching itself by hooks surrounding its mouth (which gave it its name), to the lining of the human intestine, particularly its upper third.

There it swings, and lives by sucking the blood of its victim.