What do I do for scabs on DD's scalp?

[stumped]

I really need your help - I can't tell any of my friends about this I'm so ashamed.

My DD (8) has had a problem with head lice for years - she has REALLY thick hair. Every time I think I've cracked it, a month later they're back. But we do persevere.

She's been brushing her own hair recently and I've been very distracted by work, moving house, being exhausted crappy single parent etc.

Anyway, this morning I brushed her hair and was horrified to see she has red scabs all over her scalp. I'm sure it's because she's been itching so much in her sleep.

What do I do? Do you know of any good products to treat them with?

No head lice product has ever worked on her hair and I don't want to put chemicals on it now as her scalp is so raw... I feel so awful for her and guilty and ashamed and I should have noticed earlier...

Please help, I can't tell any of my friends

A nit comb and a massive bottle of conditioner works but on thick hair it takes ages. We used to do my sister while she watched Eastenders.

And it's nothing to be ashamed of. Once established, they are difficult to get rid of.

Are you absolutely sure that the treatments aren't working? It might be a friend at school that is constantly reinfecting her so it might be worth discreetly asking her teacher.

Once you have treated her hair be sure to have it tied up every day, lice don't seem to like Tea tree oil so use a shampoo and conditioner with it in and I have also read that they are not keen on hairspray.

are you sure it's nit related? i have psoriasis on my scalp

Was going to say the same as SPB. My 9 year old dd has psoriasis and it's just as you describe, red scabs all over her scalp. Might be worth a trip to the GP. dd has now been referred to the dermatologist - it's worth getting in there before it gets worth if it could be psoriasis.

worse

Could it be impetigo? It started on my ds's scalp a couple of times.

I wondered if it was psoriasis or something like that. Can that be treated? Will make a doc's appt.

I'm not ashamed of the nits - just feel awful that I hadn't noticed these scabs.

I am the world's expert on the Nitty Gritty comb and conditioner method - but am now afraid to scratch her sore scalp with the comb...

yes, my psoriasis was kind of under control with dovonex, but have been pg/bf for 4 years now so haven't treated it for all that time. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a better treatment now - as soon as I've stopped bf I plan to go back to the docs - I seem to remember being told about a good treatment just as I got pg but didn't bother looking into it any further.

it might be due to her nerves, maybe she has some problems or stress. Maybe you should talk to her first, maybe give a cup of tea mint in the evening (it helps to relax)

My 5 year old dd has had spots/scabs on her scalp for a few months. I also thought it was nits but it didn't clear up and, to cut a long story short, she's finally seen a dermatologist who said it's a skin condition. We've been given creams etc, to treat it. HTH