THE ITCH-MITE OF MAN. dT 
be greatly shortened. Next it is necessary to kill the para- 
sites. For this purpose thecommon sulphur-ointment should 
be rubbed thoroughly over the body, and if this operation is 
performed well all mites that were exposed by the previous 
rubbing and came in contact with this medicine, are 
killed. Those patients who possess a tougher skin 
can have this ointment left on over night, when it 
should be removed by a hot bath in the morning. 
Of course a thick-skinned laborer needs a very dif- 
erent treatment than that of a delicate child. If 
the patient possesses a very tender skin sulphur-soap 
can be substituted. A solution of sulphuret of potas- 
sium in water, two or four ounces to the gallon of cold 
water, varying the strength according to the age of the pa- 
tient and the tenderness of the skin, is also a very safe wash. 
As the odor of this substance is very unpleasant it should 
only be used where plenty of ventilation can be had. All 
these substances will succeed if thoroughly applied; a few 
mites left could soon multiply again and cause fresh trouble. 
To prevent this the wash should be applied at least thee 
times, at intervals of three or four days, to destroy the 
young mites as fast as they hatch. There are many other 
remedies, such as sulphur, tar, naphtol, styrax, Peruvina 
balsam and others, and specialists of skin-diseases have 
a large choice of substances and methods of applications 
adapted to the purse of the patient, and to their cutaneous 
sensibilities. But we strongly advise anyone suffering from 
this nasty disease to apply toa physician, and let him conduct 
the treatment. All underclothes should be washed most 
thoroughly in very hot water, bed clothes must be 
heated to 100° C. for several hours to destroy the mites. 
The outer garments, contrary to expectations, do not need 
such a vigorous scouring. 
As the parasites live intheskin of their hosts, contagion 
comes from personal contact, particularly from hand to 
hand, and the most high-bred, refined, or cleanly persons are 
not exempt. 
