Itchy little lumps on head/neck - do i have fleas, bedbugs, or something else?

[MrsCornish]

Perhaps I should put this in Pets Corner...

For the last two or three days I have been gathering itchy little bites on my head and neck. I think they are appearing during the night but it may be that being hot just makes me notice them more. They are nowhere else on my body. I have checked for headlice and found nothing. I have a newish cat, he's regularly flea-treated and I can't see any fleas on him, but would I necessarily be able to? And why would they not be biting me anywere else?

And if it is fleas, what do I do?

I have hoovered and changed my bed so will see if more arrive overnight.

bump?

i'll go and have another comb.... but why do nits bite my neck? beyond my hairline, i mean?

Yes I agree, nits! My daughter and I both get itchy scalp and neck (with small lumps) if we have nits. Doctor said they can cause inflammation and reaction, even just one adult louse will do this. Sorry you might have missed one? Get the nitty gritty comb, it's excellent x

you are absolutely right. I have headlice . I spent an hour last night attacking them and am now totally exhausted, sitting at my desk wondering how i'm going to make it til home time! Especially in the knowledget that I now have to tackle my childrens' tangled locks too. Boooo. Any favourite headlice potions out there? I used to use nice'n'clear neem-oil based one but can't find it anywhere now. except online.

Hedrin - or, if you are short of time and can afford it, Hedrin Once. If you use the 'Once' sort, leave for 10 minutes then comb, then rinse at least 3 times (won't lather).

Repeat a week later, repeat again (if you are paranoid like me) a week later again.

Relax

Bedbugs! are the bites in a line? Check under the mattress...

Is it normal that the itchiness would persist for a day even if i've managed to delouse myself fully? I did nitty-gritty myself til my scalp screamed....

I bought some lyclear to treat my son, who is the conduit. it smells much better than any of the other ones. and seems to have been relatively painless. fingers crossed we've got the buggers.

Yes, its normal. Some people have an allergic reaction to the bites, but even without that bites can carry on itching for a few days - like mozzy bites, or flea bites I suppose.

Well done, good luck with the ongoing combing!