26 ANIMAL PARASITES 



these insects on the head, we must remember that 

 although the fine tooth-comb, steadily used, will, 

 when the hairs are not matted and there is no se- 

 cretion, remove all the live animals, yet it will not 

 destroy the nits or eggs, or break them' away from 

 their attachment to the hairs. These eggs can 

 only be broken down by repeated washing with 

 alcohol or weah vinegar, or the strongest soft soap, 

 such as the German Schmierseife, or smearing 

 soap. The cure is not complete till the hairs are 

 free from them. When there is no objection, as 

 in children, it is better to cut the hair short, as 

 thereby we get rid of large numbers of nits, and 

 can bring whatever we use in more immediate 

 contact with the animals we desire to destroy. 

 When the hair is matted together hy secretions, 

 and the skin inflamed^ it is absolutely necessary to 

 cut the hair short, and use steady cleansing with 

 soap and warm water, otherwise the animals con- 

 tinue to propagate under the products of the 

 inflammation, and multiply innumerably. 



It is not necessary to sacrifice the hair in women. 

 Combing, washing, and the application of some 

 of the above remedies are quite effectual. When 

 there is severe inflammation and much eruption on 



