'Hopping dots' might actually be fleas, not lice
Q. I was visiting my son in California, and, while there, I saw your articles in the newspaper. I am writing because I have a problem, but no one believes me. I have seen several doctors, including a disease specialist, primary-care physician, dermatologist and others. None can give me an answer, so I am hoping that you can.
In December 2007, I was visiting my other son (also in California) to spend the holidays and my birthday with him and his family. Just before my birthday, my daughter-in-law took me to get my hair done at the beauty shop where her longtime friend worked. I am not entirely sure what happened, but, during my permanent, she burned my hair.
Shortly afterward, I left to visit one of my daughters in Kentucky. By then, my head was itching, so I washed my hair several times. I also noticed that I had bugs in my hair and on my scalp. When I returned to California again, I saw my other daughter's PCP. He told me that I didn't have bugs and that I was just making it up because of my age. (I was 85.) I then collected two small bottles of the bugs and took them to the agricultural department to have them analyzed. They told me what they were, so I went to the library but couldn't find anything. What they told me the bugs were and what I found in my hair didn't look anything alike.
I then went to see a dermatologist, who brought a special lady with him who knows all about lice. I told both of them that I didn't have lice. I know what lice look like, and these didn't look anything like them. The dermatologist gave me a cream for dry skin on my back and removed two blue spots from my hands but didn't do anything for my head.
Dr. Gott, these bugs look like small black dots. They are very fast and hop. They bury into my scalp and make me itch. Sometimes, when I scratch, the areas bleed. The symptoms have since stopped because I wash my bedding, change my clothes and shower every day.
A. Your extensive letter is lacking in detail about what was said in regards to the bugs. However, based on your description, I feel the bugs may have been fleas.
Most people think of fleas only infesting animals such as dogs and cats. This is primarily true because humans are harder to live off because we bathe frequently and change our clothes. Animals, however, have a harder time because the fleas have a greater range in which to hide due to the extensive fur covering. Similar habitat on a human is limited to the scalp.
I am curious to know what the agricultural department told you the insects were and why you disagree with the finding. That said, if you have found a solution to the problem, I wouldn't worry about it. Continue bathing regularly to prevent further infestation.
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