Allergic to headlice? (embarrasing admission to lice infestation [grin])

[KingCanuteIAm]

I think I may be allergic to headlice bites - the way some cats can be to flea bites and I am wondering if this is possible of something that anyone else has come across? The idea that I could be allergic had not crossed my mind until someone pointed out certain similarities to fleas on another thread which got me thinking....

I know it sounds a bit nuts, I am not sure I should really ask or if you will all now write me off as the really odd one

When I get headlice from my children (which happens more than I am happy with) I itch, apparently the same as most people do! I also get itchy all over my back and neck. The thing is, whenever I comb my hair through (which I do daily when there are lice in the house) I find very very few lice (one or two babies after the initial one or two adults in the first run then nothing more) yet my scalp is so sore I could cry (which I have more than once whilst combing). I can only ever see one or two bites on my neck and none on my back so why does it hurt so much?

I have seen children totally riddled with the things (I mean pulling out babies by the combful - not my own children I hasten to add!) and yet their scalps have not looked anything like mine. I always bleed (properly not just pulled a scab bleeding) when I comb through but I am no more firm than with the children.

Please someone tell me what is going on?

[NotQuiteCockney]

I think everyone's allergic to lice bits, just some are more allergic than others. Does taking an antihistamine help?

[Simplysally]

You've probably got a sensitive scalp which is being aggravated by the treatment in addition to the bites . I'm sure a pharmacist could recommend a nitbusting treatment that won't set your scalp on fire.

[psychomum5]

I am the same, I know with just one lice in my head!

I am a very allergic person tho......even brushing my hair makes my head sore when I don't have lice.

I find tea-tree shampoo works well for me (I buy the alberto balsam tea-tree and mint one). makes me less itchy in general, plus it helps prevent the nits in the first place as they hate the smell.

antihistamines will help with the reaction as well.

[KingCanuteIAm]

Thank you everyone! It had not even occured to me to try anti-histamines (mind you I only just managed to work out that a reaction could be a possibility so I guess I am a bit slow on this one!)

NQC, you are probably right, my reaction just seems so over the top. I had always thought I was just being a baby about it though!

Simplysally, when I say treat I mean condition and comb day in day out rather than a chemical treatment (which I have found to be useless for us). I can't imagine what would happen if I used something stronger than conditioner - but talking to the pharmacist is still a great idea thank you.

Psycho, I am so glad I am not the only one, I am not usually allergic to things but I suppose everyone has there thing. I can't use tea tree shampoos as they makes my head sore, although I do use them on the children.

My word it is a nightmare isn't it?