Lice

Dear Dr. Jen,

My daughter has lice on her hair.  I’ve already cut off her hair but she is still getting lice.  I tried combing it with the “suyod” but it is too time consuming.  The shampoo doesn’t seem to work either.

Maia

Dear Maia,

Head lice can be seen as small white nits that cling to the hair strand.  Some will also show bites on the neck or scalp which are very itchy.  Head lice are transmitted from person to person.  Sharing of hats, combs, pillows or headphones from other people can also get your daughter infected.

Shaving off or cutting the hair is not necessary in treating head lice.  Permethrin shampoo or lotion left on the hair for 10 to 30 minutes can do the trick.  Using the “suyod” after the treatment is also good.  Repeating this treatment after a week is necessary to kill off the lice that may have hatched.  Throwing away old combs and other hair accessories might be necessary to avoid re-infection.  Also, if anyone else is affected, they too need to be treated. Pillow-sharing can also be one of the ways that lice can infect other people.  Lastly, do not allow your daughter to borrow or lend combs with her friends to stop the cycle.

***

Dear Dr. Jen,

Are facial scrubs necessary or advisable?  I love using them but don’t know how often it should be done.

Em

Dear Em,

To remove the dead keratin layer on the top most part of the skin, facial scrubs can be beneficial.  Chemical peels, diamond peels and masks containing glycolic or salicylic acid can also do the trick. When done properly, these can give you glowing skin.  However, if you use it too often, it can also burn or irritate your skin.

What is important is to do it once a week at most or every two weeks.  Using facial scrubs with beads that are rough and sharp also may damage the skin.  Bright, clear skin can be maintained with the proper facial or scrub.  If you have acne, scrubs are not advisable.

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.