Lotion of Tar. Syn. Lotio picis liquidæ, L. Prep. (Saunders.) Quicklime, 6 oz.; water, 21⁄2 pints; slake, add of tar, 4 oz., and boil to one half. This liquid may be advantageously employed in various chronic skin diseases, especially those affecting the heads of children. See Infusion of Tar.
Lotion of Valer′ian. Syn. Lotio Valerianæ, Embrocatio antihysterica, E. emmenagoga, L. Prep. From tincture of valerian and proof spirit, equal parts. In hysteria, suppressions, &c.
Lotion of Vera′trine. Syn. Lotio veratriæ, L. Prep. (Dr Turnbull.) Veratrine, 20 to 60 gr.; rectified spirit, 2 oz. In gout, rheumatism, &c. It is extremely poisonous, and must only be used where the skin is sound, and then with great caution.
Lotion of Ver′digris. Syn. Lotio æruginis, L. cupri citratis, L. Prep. From verdigris, 3 dr.; vinegar, 1⁄4 pint; water, 3⁄4 pint. As a wash for indolent, scrofulous, and venereal ulcers.
Lotion of Vin′egar. See Acetic lotion (above).
Lotion, Yellow. See Mercurial lotion (above).
LOUSE. Syn. Pediculus. There are several species of this offensive parasite infesting the bodies of man and domesticated animals. The three varieties of lice found on the human skin are:—(1) The Pediculus corporis, (2) the P. capitis, (3) the P. pubis.
(1.) The P. corporis, the body louse, is of a dirty white colour, and varies from half to two lines in length. Its body is broad and elongated, with the margins divided into lobes, and covered with minute hairs; but it has a narrow thorax, furnished on each side with three legs, which terminate in claws. This creature produces great irritation of the skin, giving rise to a number of little pimples on it, which frequently discharge a watery fluid. It multiplies with extraordinary rapidity.
(2.) The P. capitis, the head louse, is much smaller than the above. It is devoid of hairs, with legs large in proportion to its body. It gives rise to a very troublesome eruption, attended with a watery discharge. It is propagated by means of the ova or nits, which are glued to the hairs of the head.
(3.) The P. pubis, the crab louse, is a small, round variety, which attaches itself with considerable tenacity to the hairs of the stomach and lower part of the body more particularly, and, like the preceding parasite, glues its eggs to the hairs.