Q. My daughter was diagnosed with head lice on Thursday. We used the lice shampoo, cleaned the whole house and continue to see nits in her hair as my wife combs it. How will we know that the lice and nits are gone?
A. Lice are parasites that live on the scalp and attach their egg cases (“nits��?) to hairs. Lice shampoo kills grown lice but does not get rid of nits. That’s why a second treatment a week later is recommended to kill the emerging lice.
In some communities lice shampoo has become less effective because the critters have developed resistance to the chemicals. One alternative approach is HairClean 1-2-3 which contains herbal oils and alcohol.
Another novel treatment uses Cetaphil non-soap facial cleanser. Hair is coated with Cetaphil and left on for two minutes. The excess lotion is combed out and then a blow dryer is used. This “shrink wraps��? the hair and suffocates the lice. Eight hours later the hardened Cetaphil is shampooed out. According to the dermatologist who did the research, this approach is more than 90 percent effective (Pediatrics, Sept. 2004).
To see if the lice are gone for good, purchase a black light. Nits glow in the dark under these ultraviolet lamps. They can be found in specialty lighting stores.
Q. When I took antibiotics for a sinus infection, my stomach problems went away. Before that I usually had bloating, gas and an upset stomach. Can you explain this?
A. The antibiotics you took for your sinus infection might have affected a stomach infection as well. Some readers report that antibiotic therapy to eliminate stomach bacteria called Helicobacter pylori cures their digestive symptoms. Some even get rid of chronic bad breath.
For more information on H. pylori and its treatment we are sending you our Guide to Digestive Disorders. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (63 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ The People’s Pharmacy®, No. G-3, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It can also be downloaded for $2 from the Website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.
Q. One of our sons and one of our daughters have recently been diagnosed as having iron heavy blood–hemochromatosis. They have been told continued cooking in their cast iron pots and pans would be unhealthy for them.
A scientist friend told our daughter this was no longer true as it has been determined the amount of iron given off by this cookware is microscopic. Do you know which information is correct?
A. Hemochromatosis, a state of iron overload, is usually the result of a genetic mutation that makes the body absorb too much iron. This can lead to liver damage, arthritis, diabetes and heart problems.
In addition to “phlebotomy,��? medically supervised bloodletting that is used to treat severe cases, people with iron toxicity are often advised to avoid dietary iron.
Acidic food cooked in a cast-iron pot contains extra iron. It might make sense for your children to use enameled or ceramic cookware for acid foods like tomato sauce.
Tea, coffee, cocoa or walnuts are rich in tannins and can help reduce iron absorption. Your kids may want to include some of these foods in their daily diets.
