a hair. Magnified. (_After Kaposi._)]

#Is there any difficulty in the diagnosis of pediculosis capitis?#

No. The diagnosis is readily made, as the pediculi are usually to be
found without difficulty, and even when they exist in small numbers and
are not readily discovered, _the presence of the ova_ will indicate the
nature of the affection.

Pustular eruptions upon the scalp, especially posteriorly, should always
arouse a suspicion of pediculosis. The possibility of the pediculosis
being secondary to eczema must not be forgotten.

#What is the treatment of pediculosis capitis?#

Treatment consists in the application of some remedy destructive to the
pediculi and their ova. Crude petroleum is effective, one or two
thorough applications over night being usually sufficient; in order to
lessen its inflammability, and also to mask its somewhat disagreeable
odor, it may be mixed with an equal part of olive oil and a small
quantity of balsam of Peru added.

Tincture of cocculus indicus, pure or diluted, may also be applied with
good results.

When the parts are markedly eczematous, an ointment of ammoniated
mercury or [beta]-naphthol, thirty to sixty grains to the ounce may
be used.

Daily shampooing with soap and water, and the twice daily application of
a five per cent. carbolic acid lotion, together with the use of a
fine-toothed comb, is a safe and efficient method for dispensary
practice; as it is, indeed, for any class of patients.

#How are the ova or their shells to be removed from the hair?#

By the frequent use of acid or alkaline lotions, such as dilute acetic
acid and vinegar, or solutions of sodium carbonate and borax.

#Pediculosis Corporis.#

#Describe the symptoms of pediculosis corporis.#

Pediculosis corporis is dependent upon the presence of the pediculus
corporis (_pediculus vestimenti_), a larger variety than that infesting
the scalp. It is characterized by more or less general itching, together
with various inflammatory lesions and excoriations. As the parasites are
to be found chiefly in the folds and seams of the clothing, visiting the
skin for the purpose of feeding, the various symptoms--the minute
hemorrhagic puncta showing the points at which they have been sucking,
and the consequent papules, pustules and excoriations--are, therefore,
to be found most abundantly on those parts with which the clothing comes
closely in contact, as, for instance, a