Don’t use kerosene to kill lice


graedons |People’s Herbal Pharmacy

Don’t use kerosene to kill lice

Q. I read your suggestions for the treatment of head lice. Why doesn’t anyone ever mention the remedy that really works and works fast? Kerosene.

Comb it through the hair for about five minutes. It kills the lice and removes the nits, and the child can return to school the next day.

A. Although kerosene was an old-fashioned remedy for getting rid of lice, it should never be used. The manufacturer’s safety recommendations specifically warn against contact with eyes, skin and clothes.

Absorption of petroleum byproducts through the skin is potentially dangerous. Kerosene also can irritate the skin and lungs. Far worse, a spark could trigger a horrendous accident, leading to severe burns or death. Anyone who would like to learn about safer lice remedies can find them at www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. Do you know of a home remedy for athlete’s foot? I have had a fungus between the fourth and fifth toe for quite a while.

I am serving in Iraq and would like to try something that will give me results instead of wasting my time.

A. Readers have suggested a number of home remedies. Soaking the feet for 20 minutes a day in a foot bath with one part vinegar and two parts water is one. Adding original formula Listerine to this foot bath may also help. The herbal oils thymol and eucalyptol in Listerine have antifungal activity.

Another approach is to put Vicks VapoRub on the affected area. This product also contains thymol and eucalyptol, along with other herbal oils that appear to fight fungus on skin and nails.

One new product worth considering is called Miranel (www.miranelbrands.com). This over-the-counter cream contains the antifungal drug miconazole along with some of the same ingredients found in Vicks.

We’re told that urinating on your feet in the shower is an old military trick against athlete’s foot and foot odor.

Q. A friend told me about gin-soaked raisins for arthritis, and I am curious whether it really works. Also, how much alcohol is in nine raisins?

A. Once the gin evaporates, there should only be about one drop of alcohol in nine raisins.

Not everyone gets relief from this home remedy, but many readers do report success.

X In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

© 2008 King Features Syndicate Inc.

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