05 December 2023 , 14:23
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Headlice are seriously pesky, and if you've ever been around kids you'll know how quickly they spread - but people were left "feeling sick" at the thought of checking a colleague for nits.
The critters, according to the NHS, can make your head feel "itchy" and "like something is moving in your hair", and they also shared that the only way to know for certain if you have headlice is to "find live lice" by using a "special fine-toothed comb." They also share that once you know you've got them, it's important to get rid of them as soon as possible.
A woman took to Babycentre to ask whether she'd be unreasonable to ask someone she worked with to check her hair. She wrote: "Am I being unreasonable to ask a colleague to check my hair for nits? She does have two kids so is probably used to it.
"So the dreaded nits are going around my son's school, thought I better have a quick look last night and was surprised to find a few of the critters. Luckily I bought a comb last time they were going round but he didn't get them. There is just me and my 6-year-old at home so no other adult to check my hair for me. He is still meant to go to school and my boss still wants me to go into the office but am concerned about who can check my hair for me.
"I have tied my hair up and put on a headscarf since I found them but have long curly hair and we often cuddle up in bed together to get him to sleep so am bound to get them. Also, any advice is very welcome as he's never had them before. Online there seems to be conflicting information as to whether you need to wash all bedding and soft toys at 60 or not."
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In the comments, some pointed out that they wouldn't feel comfortable asking a person they worked with. Someone wrote: "I don't think I'd feel comfortable to ask a regular colleague, but I would ask a friend if I couldn't do it myself." The original poster explained her friend who lives five minutes away is currently on holiday, so that wasn't an option for her. A mum wrote: "I wouldn't ask a colleague no. I'd just try my best to get them all out myself. If one of my colleagues asked me it would probably make me feel a bit sick if I'm being honest!"
Another penned: "I think they prefer children's heads - that's my personal experience anyway. I wouldn't be grossed out by someone asking me to check, but I imagine some people would be. What you could do is condition your hair and run the bit comb through, concentrating on the sides by the ears and low back as that's where they tend to first be." "I'd be too embarrassed to ask a colleague", someone else said.
If you're looking for advice on getting rid of headlice, the NHS recommends various methods here.