Guess what I got!
Lucky me. I found a couple of these little buggers running around the crown of my head. Yep. Lice. Also known here in Argentina as piojos.
Here's what I learned about lice. If you find and catch an adult, it means there are probably many, many more you cannot see. It also means, the entire family has to be treated. Oh yes, Jen is visiting, so she has to be treated too. Oh what a joy of an evening this has been!
Luckily, though, no one else seems to have anything running, biting or laying eggs among their locks. I am the only member of the household to be what the Center for Disease Control recommendations for treating lice terms an "actively infected individual." Apparently, my long, curly luxurious hair is just what every louse wants.
Luckily, also, I knew exactly what I needed. All I needed was a little bit of ASSY!. Yes, ASSY! 
I first found ASSY in the supermarket in Buenos Aires. The can of ASSY ESPUMA you see pictured here was originally destined to join my little collection of odd and funny products like Bag Balm from New Hampshire, Cock Soup from St Croix and Fish Paste with Bloaters from South Africa.
Turns out life and destiny had other plans.
The reality is lice are often a part of traveling. Lila's in school, and kids transfer lice one to the other. It's also highly possible I got mine trying on hats in San Pedro de Atacama or from a haircut in Salta last month.
Last time I had piojos -- I like saying it in Spanish, because it somehow sounds better -- was Israel. The local makolet had a treatment product which required I soak my hair in this toxic sludge then cover with a plastic bag and sit for 3 hours. Three very long hours.
And because you also have to wash all bed linens, recently worn clothes and the like, all I had available to wear was a bathing suit. It was just then that I and my apartment mates, who were also treated for piojos, decided we might as well clean the entire apartment. So somewhere out there is a picture of my 17-year-old self in a bathing suit, head wrapped in a plastic shopping bag with a knife in one hand, hairdryer in the other as I attempt to defrost a very well frozen freezer.
Giving more thanks, somewhere between post-high school Israel and present day Argentina, there have been great strides in the treatment of piojos. Most times, you need only wash your hair once and leave it sit for ten minutes. You can also find non-toxic treatments deemed safe for children.
The tedious part, though, is combing out the nits. You'll find and use an unbelievably fine toothed comb and must search thoroughly and carefully every two or so days until you are absolutely sure all piojos and eggs are gone.
I'll have you know, with the amount and thickness of my hair, this process takes approximately two hours. Two. Full. Hours. Of. Nit. Picking.
It's also good to keep in mind that there are some non-toxic herbal methods available for piojos treatment. Tea tree oil and lavender essential oils, in particular. Tea tree oil repels the adults, kills the eggs and will help eliminate any infections caused by scratching. Lavender serves a similar purpose, but also helps soothe itching and heal bites. They work well and can be happily, non-poisonously used every day on wet or dry hair. Even with these treatments, though, you still have to comb.
I carry both oils in my travel medicine kit. Generally for other purposes, but who knew my two favorite oils would come in so handy. My particular bottle of lavender comes from the amazing Chateau du Bois lavender fields in Provence. These fields lie between Rousillon and Gordes, two fabulously beautiful cities each built out of the rock found where the cities are built. Rousillon, a striking ochre. Or the beautiful light pink of Gordes that deepens to orange then transforms to grey, yellow or white as the sun's fancy strikes.
So yes, keep that beautiful image in your minds as you try to keep from scratching your heads. Don't worry, though, chances are you don't have anything. At least, I'm pretty sure you didn't get it from me.
UPDATE 8.13.09: I managed to get my hands on some cinnamon and tea tree essential oils, both of which are extremely effective in managing and ridding yourself of lice. Best way to apply? Mix a solution of half apple cider or white vinegar and half warm water, then add 5 drops of whichever oil you prefer. Or both. Then apply to hair until wet all over, wrap up in a plastic bag and let sit for as long as you can. I usually go for an hour or two. Then wash, rinse, condition and comb out with a lice comb.
Keep in mind that they the oils can be irritating, especially the cinnamon oil, so don't apply them without diluting them first.
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