Lice

Dear Dr. Jen,

How do I permanently get rid of lice on my daughter’s hair?  I treat it with anti-lice shampoo and it works. But then a few weeks or months later, the lice return.  What is the best medicine for it?  She refuses to have her hair cut.

Sharon

Dear Sharon,

Lice infestation in your daughter’s hair is called pediculosis capitis.  This is very common among children aged 3 to 11 years old.  Children get it by direct contact with individuals who have lice or by sharing beddings, clothing, brushes, hats, caps and the like with them. The lice can survive off the scalp for up to 55 hours.

Over-the-counter anti-lice shampoo (permethrin-based) are quite effective in treating lice infestation.  The problem you might have is not in the quality of the medicine, but in how to prevent recurrence.

First and foremost, make sure other kids and adults with lice (whom your child is in contact with) are also treated.  If your child has been treated and still hangs out with whoever the source of the lice is, there’s a huge chance she will get it again.  Second, let her stop sharing any hair paraphernalia with anybody else. Thirdly, hairbrushes and comb, hats and the like should also be treated or even changed permanently. Sheets, blankets and clothing shall be machine washed.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I have pimple-like rashes on my bum.  It sometimes get very itchy and it is also unsightly. It feels rough too.  How can I treat this?  I’m embarrassed to go visit a doctor and show my bum.

Dani

Dear Dani,

Folliculitis on the buttocks area are likely exacerbated by prolonged sitting, tight clothing, using wet gym clothes for a long time and warm temperatures.  Treatment is usually successful with anti-acne medications along with some anti-fungal preparations.  Yeast can also easily grow in these rashes which is why it is important to also treat it with an anti-fungal.

Avoid letting sweaty clothes dry up on your skin.  Using doughnut cushions may help put air between your chair and your bum. Try to move around too and shift positions if you are stuck sitting the whole day.

Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with the Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). Information on PDS is at www.pds.org.ph. Questions or concerns regarding the skin may be sent by text to 0932 857 7070 or emailed to [email protected]; or coursed thru The Freeman – (032) 2531276, or thru PSH – (032) 2338620 and 2325929. Inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.