DermHelpCentral

Head Lice: Wet Combing

German scientists examined 304 children at five primary schools that reported persistent head lice infestations. First, a researcher examined their scalps, parting the hair at five places where eggs or lice are often found. Then a different investigator, unaware of the results of the first test, examined the same children, this time wetting the hair with conditioner and running a fine-tooth comb from the scalp to the end of the hair.  The results appear in the March issue of The Archives of Dermatology.

This short NY Times article is a good jumping off place.

Scabies

Jane Brody wrote an important introduction to scabies in the September 23, 2008 NY Times.

"Scabies is frequently misdiagnosed and mistreated, partly because most physicians are unfamiliar with it and partly because its symptoms mimic so many other skin diseases.

A correct diagnosis is further complicated by the fact that symptoms can often appear six to eight weeks after a person becomes infested with the microscopic arthropod, making it seem as if the problem came from nowhere. But unlike other skin diseases, scabies is usually accompanied by a tell-tale sign: one or more burrows in the skin where female mites lay their eggs.

Scabies is easily cured, but only if patients and their close contacts conscientiously follow directions for medical treatment and environmental cleanup. However, even after a person is rid of the mites and their eggs, itching can persist for up to four weeks."

To read the full article click on "An Itchy Torment, Frequently Misdiagnosed."

Picture of mite taken from Stanford Medical School's article on Scabies.

Head Lice

Head lice are commonly seen.  You can read about them on Dermnet.

Pediatrician, Melanie Austin has a non-toxic over the counter approach for head lice.  It's time intensive but spares your child or you exposure to toxic chemicals. 

You can access her protocol at:  Download doc_austin_lice.pdf

The standard therapies, are fine, too. This is attached because many people prefer therapies that are less toxic.