Burrowing Lice??
by Syble
Is there such a thing as burrowing lice? Hi Syble, You have my sincerest sympathies! I know it can be so frustrating when you are unable to figure out how to deal with a parasite problem. To be honest, I haven't heard of "burrowing lice," and based on your full description, it doesn't sound like head lice is the problem at all, or if it is, not the only problem. Head lice restrict themselves to the head. They wouldn't be biting your face, arms, legs, etc. Pubic lice are a greater possibility since they fit more of the description of symptoms you've experienced as well as attachment to the hair follicles. Body lice is another consideration, but they do not lay eggs on hair follicles. Rather, they lay their eggs in the seams of clothing. The description of "burrowing bugs" seem more like scabies, but they don't attach their eggs to the hair follicles like lice do, either. Instead they burrow under the skin and lay the eggs there. However, the treatments you've used should normally have taken care of any of those culprits if you followed the instructions faithfully. I'm not terribly surprised that the chemical based treatments didn't do the job, because it appears from many reports that these various bugs are building up a resistance to the chemicals that were once effective. However natural treatments are often quite successful. For instance, use of olive oil for head lice almost always works if used properly because lice can't build up resistance against suffocation - which is how it works. When using olive oil, the head and hair need to be completely saturated for at least 8 hours and then every 4 days the process is repeated for a couple of weeks to be sure all hatching eggs are dealt with too, because of the parasite's life cycle. If I had to 'guess' which skin parasite you are afflicted with, I would say it was crabs or pubic lice based on all of your description. However, it could very well be a skin parasite specifically brought over by the visitors from Kuwait. That seems highly likely given the circumstances. This parasite may be a different strain than we are accustomed to dealing with in the US. I know you mentioned using several natural remedies, but you didn't say how you applied them and for how long. You also didn't mention whether or not your husband has been afflicted with the "burrowing lice" as well. Parasites are usually passed quite easily from person to person, particularly when there is intimate contact or sleeping in the same bed. It would be a good idea for both of you to apply any treatment option you decide upon so that you aren't passing the infection back and forth. I honestly don't know how much help a dermatologist would be. That's a judgment call you'll have to make yourself. Because you describe the parasite as "burrowing" I would highly recommend that you treat yourself internally as well as externally. Internally: Consider using the following for natural internal parasite treatment... The Para 90 and Herbal Fiberblend contain a wide range of anti-parasitic and anti-fungal herbs that will help eliminate any parasites that are 'inside.' The Florafood is a combination of probiotics that will help build up the good bacteria in your body so that your immune system is strengthened to fight against infection. Externally: You mentioned already that you've tried some of the usual essential oils that are known to be effective against skin parasites (Tea Tree & Neem). You may consider trying one of those again or even trying Manuka Oil, Poke Root Oil, Rosemary Oil, or Lavender Oil. These are all known to help with scabies and various other skin parasites. Whichever essential oil you choose, it's a good idea to test a small area of the skin first to be sure you don't have an allergic reaction. Just because something is "natural" doesn't always mean you won't be allergic to it. An allergy would normally display itself as an itchy rash within a few hours of application. You can find high quality organic essential oils at reasonable prices at Mountain Rose Herbs. Try placing 10-15 drops of your chosen oil (or combination of oils) in your bath, and/or you can apply them directly to your skin mixed with some water or carrier oil (olive, almond, coconut oil). You don't want to get the oils in your eyes. For your eyelashes and eyebrows, try applying petroleum jelly a couple of times per day to smother any parasites and/or keep them from the area. Regardless of the type of skin parasite that is pestering you, basic principles apply of internal and external parasite treatment and cleansing. Syble, I do hope you are able to find some help through these recommendations. Please let me know if you decide to try any or all of them and what kind of results you received. It will be a great help to those who come along later and have the same experience as you. To your good health! Angie
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