"In addition to urine reaction, skin reaction should also be taken. To do this, first test water from the cold tap with nitrazine paper. If the paper does not change color the water may be considered neutral in reaction and is suitable to use in taking skin reaction. Next, make an applicator by winding some absorbent cotton around one end of a toothpick. Dip this in the water from the cold tap and apply it to the skin three times so that it makes a wet place large enough to moisten the strip of nitrazine paper. Apply the strip and pat it into place with the unwound end of the toothpick. Allow it to remain in place until it is thoroughly moistened, then remove and examine the color. It will be yellow, showing that the skin is acid, or else some shade of blue, showing that it is alkaline."