THE HEAD-LOUSE 75 



Lysol is a very penetrating substance, and the 

 fluid is likely to penetrate through the eyelids 

 if it runs into this region. 



An old remedy for head-lice is paraffin oil, 

 and this is quite effective and safe, provided 

 precautions are taken to avoid near contact 

 with flame or fire. The hair should be thoroughly 

 wetted with the oil, and then wrapped in a towel 

 arranged turban-wise, or covered by a bathing- 

 cap. After half an hour it should be well washed 

 in warm soap and water, and afterwards combed 

 free of dead lice and nits. As before, this is more 

 readily done if vinegar is also used. This method, 

 if properly carried out, is much more certain 

 than combing alone, any vermin that may escape 

 the comb having been killed, and so mattering 

 little. The naphthalene paste, described in the 

 last chapter, will also be found effective for head- 

 lice if rubbed well into the scalp and hair. The 

 best treatment for head-lice on the body hair is 

 to shave off entirely that infested. 



Lastly, in the treatment of this pest, all the 

 head-gear which may have been worn during 

 the infestation should be treated by one of the 

 methods described for clothing in the last chapter, 

 and should not be again assumed after the head 

 has been cleansed until this has been done. The 

 difficulty of getting rid of vermin in the head is 

 often probably due to this precaution not being 



taken. 



REFERENCES 

 (1) See Ref. (3), Chap. III. (2) See Ref. (1), Chap. III. 



