Question:
My Cosmetology School instructor was answering questions
concerning the common problem of head lice, when she told us the story of a
woman who caught the little parasites while working at a day care center.
After consulting with her mother and grandmother, the woman decided to stop by
the local gas station instead of the local drug store. You see, an old wives
tale holds that soaking one's hair and scalp in gasoline will kill the bugs. To
some extent, it is true; however, lice are not the only creatures liable to
suffer damage during this procedure.
After soaking her head in gasoline, the woman was in the mood for a cigarette.
So she carefully washed her hands, covered her hair with a towel, and stepped
outside to light up (no pun intended.) Shortly thereafter, the day care worker
was no more, although it may be safe to say that she had rid herself of head
lice.
I do not know which is more disturbing: that this woman was so lacking in
common sense as to douse her head in gasoline and light a cigarette, or that
she was entrusted with several children's lives on a daily basis.
Answer:
gasoline is a bad choice for head lice. Coal oil is far safer, and more
effective.
