56 THE ITCH-MITE OF MAN. 
this pimple we never succeed, as the parasite is some distance 
away in the blind end of the burrow. 
The mining and boring operations of the mite cause in- 
tense itching and irritation of the nerves of the skin, and 
quite often an inflammation, which produces peculiar erup- 
tions on the surface. This intolerable itching causes the one 
infested to scratch himself incessantly, and the patients have 
no rest on that account, and consequently tear and lacerate 
their skin in all directions. But not all portions of the body 
of man are suitable for these intruders; they need a softskin 
to enable them to enter. This is the reason that we usually 
find the first indications of the itch between the fingers, where 
the skin is tender, and here the peculiar looking burrowscan 
be readily detected. The region infested by this unpleasant 
parasite of man is so definite, that those familiar with skin 
diseases can detect their presence at once. 
REMEDIES.—How can we separate ourselves from these 
intimatefriends? They are hidden beneath the tough layers 
of our skin, which have to be removed to reach them; next 
we have to apply something that will come in contact with 
the intruders, that willkill them but notinjureus; and finally 
we have to cure the eruptions and sores caused by such con- 
stant scratchings. Of course a great deal depends upon the 
length ot time a person has been affected, or in other words 
upon the number of mites he harbors, and upon the sensi- 
bility of the skin. It is well known that the longer the para- 
sites are neglected the more numerous they become. Itisa 
good thing, however, that their increase in numbers is quite 
slow; if the mites are not destroyed by proper methods they 
will flourish just as long as the host lives. To kill them we 
must first of all soften and remove the loose epidermis of the 
patient. Everyone ought to be familiar with the effect of a 
long-continued application of warm water and soap to the 
skin; this treatment swells up the scurf-skin, softens the 
same, and enables us to scrape or rub it off. Soaking in hot 
water and rubbing all parts of the body with strong soft- 
soap is the first step to remove this very unpleasant intruder. 
To do this well requires about half an hour’s work. Of 
course for very delicate skins this operation can or should 
