K.B. asks from Lutz, FL on October 27, 2009
Tiny "Wings" Found on Scalp, Causing Itching
My son's head has been itching for about 2 weeks now so I took him to the doctor. She checked for lice, but instead found these tiny things that look like wings. They aren't alive, but maybe once were. She didn't know what they were but suggested a mayo and vinegar paste to wear under a shower cap all night. He didn't make it because his head itched too much. She gave me a nit comb and after his shower, I combed and pulled out about 10-15 of these little wings. I've searched the internet for information and can't find anything. Anyone else ever heard of such a thing?
Further update: After the next shower (two showers after the mayo treatment), I didn't pull anything out of his hair with the nit brush. Unfortunately, I didn't save any of the little things to show the dermatologist. And the dermatologist was equally as perplexed as the pediatrician. Perhaps it was just some kind of seed pod that fell into his hair when he was playing under trees. He is using a prescription shampoo for the head itch.
So What Happened?™
These are all good ideas. He has a dermatologist appt tomorrow. I don't think I can send a photo. The wings are like little crumbs. I did come across thrips in my Internet search. We do live in Florida and I hear they are common in warm temps. And bedbug larvae isn't something I thought about. Thanks for all the ideas. I'll let you know what happened. My husband was a bit annoyed by the doctor who said "I don't know...try mayonnaise."
More Answers
B.B. answers from Salt Lake City on October 27, 2009
Based upon where you live, I wonder if it's thrips?
S.M. answers from Miami on October 28, 2009
Hi, K.. I'm so sorry your little one is having a perplexing problem. It's weird that a doctor could not recognize what it was; since her "cure" didn't work, I suggest you take him to a dermatologist IMMEDIATELY. Whatever it is sounds like it could be some kind of skin parasite. If that's so, it needs to be cured IMMEDIATELY.
I will say a prayer for your son's swift healing.
Peace,
Syl
K.D. answers from Dallas on October 27, 2009
This may be a stretch, but have you looked up bedbugs? Their larvae have a 'wing' look.
H.B. answers from Tampa on October 28, 2009
Actually the mayonnaise treatment with a shower cap was excellent advice, as it will suffocate any small head bug if massaged in and coated thouroughly and left on at least 3 hours.... Follow that up with a good vinegar rinse and you could easily be cured in one treatment. No matter what it is, wash your towels and bedding in hot and bag up the stuffed animals for a week or so until they die. You can treat your home for any hard shelled parasite safely and chemical free with a powder called diatomacious earth- food grade only. It's available online at sites like www.dirtworks.com for cheap.... Takes care of tons of bugs living in anything, including your mattress etc soooo easy to use and safe to people and pets.
As for human treatment, go with something natural as your Dr suggested- great Dr! Many will immediately prescribe super harsh toxic chemicals - something you should really research before touching or putting on your child! There are many less dangerous treatments described online that I would try first....
Best wishes in clearing up the bugs! It's no fun!
J.B. answers from Tampa on October 28, 2009
Perhaps you could check entymologists (sp?)on the internet and find someone to ID them..
D.F. answers from Tampa on October 29, 2009
As a mom and the owner of The Nit Fairy, I can assure you that lice do not have wings. I am perplexed and somewhat facinated as to what is in your child's head. If he had been itching for a couple of weeks, I would say he could have a case of head lice, as this is what I do all day. But the wing thing is unusual. If you would like me to rule out head lice, please call me ###-###-####, I will even check you for free just to see what these "wings" are, if I can't help I may know someone that can. You can call me this evening until 11:00 p.m.
A.L. answers from Tampa on October 28, 2009
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