| How to Check for Lice Posted: 11 Oct 2016 05:00 PM PDT Head lice are small wingless parasitic insects that live on the scalp. They can be difficult to spot because they're only 2-3mm long.[1] Close examination of the scalp and carefully combing the hair are the only ways to check successfully. It is easier to check another person for lice, but you can also check your own head if you have a few mirrors. EditKnowing When to Check for Lice - Check for itching of the scalp. An itchy scalp is the most common symptom of lice infestation. However, other conditions, including dandruff and scalp eczema, can cause also itchy scalp.[2] Itchy scalps can also be a sign of an allergic reaction to haircare products such as shampoo, too.[3]
- Some people who have head lice may not experience itching right away. It can take up to six weeks after infestation for the scalp to begin feeling itchy.[4]
- Some people may also feel a "tickling" sensation on their scalp or head, as though something is moving or crawling.[5]
- Check for white flakes on the scalp or in hair. White flakes may be caused by dandruff or scalp eczema. They may also be caused by an allergic reaction to shampoos and other haircare products. However, these "flakes" may actually be lice eggs (nits).[6]
- Dandruff commonly occurs throughout the hair. Lice eggs commonly occur closer to the scalp and are not as widespread as dandruff flakes.
- If you cannot easily brush or shake the flakes off the hair or scalp, they may be lice eggs.
- Examine clothes for lice. Lice may find their way into your home on clothes or bedding. They cannot fly, but they can jump great distances.[7]
- You may see small bugs that look like light-brown sesame seeds on clothing, bedding, skin, or hair.
EditGetting Set Up - Find a bright light source. Natural light is good if it isn't filtered through curtains or blinds. Bathroom light is often bright enough. If you need additional light, use a bright flashlight or small desk lamp.[8]
- Wet the person's hair. This can be done under a faucet or with a spray bottle. Lice can be seen on dry or wet hair, but many people have an easier time spotting lice if the hair is wet.
- Working with wet hair also makes it easier to carefully part sections, and clip the examined sections out of the way so you can continue to check the remainder of the hair.[9]
- Recognize adult lice. Adult lice are difficult to see, mainly because they can move quickly and they do not like light. As you separate sections of hair, the adult lice can quickly move back into the hair and into the shadows. Even though an adult louse is tiny, you should be able to see them if you can read the small print of a newspaper.[10]
- Adult lice are light brown in color, and are about the size of a sesame seed. The adults are often found near the scalp area, in the hair just above and behind the ears, and at the hairline around the base of the neck.[11]
- Recognize the eggs, also called nits. The eggs are firmly attached, practically cemented, to the hair. Eggs are yellowish-brown, or tan, in color before they hatch, and look like tiny seeds. Freshly laid eggs are shiny, and are often found near the scalp.[12]
- Identify the hatched nits. Once the eggs, or nits, have hatched, the egg casing remains firmly attached to the hair. The color of the casing is practically clear.[13]
EditExamining the Hair for Lice and Nits - Start by separating the wet hair into sections. Divide the hair into small sections, and begin by placing the comb near the scalp. Use either a regular fine tooth comb, or a lice comb, and comb through each section of hair, from close to the scalp to the ends. Comb through each section more than once.[14]
- Lice combs are available at drug stores. They are smaller than a regular comb, but the teeth in the comb are much closer together to more easily search for lice and nits.[15]
- Continue to comb through the hair in sections. As you finish combing a section of the wet hair, use a clip to separate it from the hair you have not yet examined. Comb through each divided section of hair, examining the comb after each pass through the hair.[16]
- Examine the area around the ears and the base of the neck closely. These areas are places where adult lice and nits are commonly found.[17]
- Catch a live louse between your thumb and forefinger. If you see something moving, try to catch it between your thumb and forefinger, then tape it to a piece of white paper so you can examine it more closely. It may be helpful to compare what you have found to documented pictures of lice.[18]
- Catching a louse with your fingers is not dangerous. By doing this, you can confirm that the person you are examining does have a lice infestation.[19]
- Don't confuse dandruff for lice or nits. People of all ages have stuff that gets caught in their hair. Combing through someone's hair so carefully is likely to reveal dandruff, knotted hair, fabric, and other small things that get lodged in their hair. Nits will not easily comb out since they are cemented to the hair. Use your magnifying glass to examine small things found as you comb through their hair to be sure.[20]
- Check your own hair for lice. Clearly this is not as easy task, so try to get some help if possible. If you decide to check your own hair by yourself, then follow the same basic steps. Everyone in a household with one infested person should be checked for lice.[21]
- Wet your hair. Lice and nits can be seen on wet or dry hair, but examining yourself for lice may be easier with your hair wet.[22]
- Be sure you have enough light. Bathroom lighting is often brighter than the lights in other rooms, plus you will be relying on the bathroom mirrors. If needed, use a small lamp for added light.[23]
- Use a hand mirror. You will need to closely examine the areas behind and around your ears. Use clips to hold your hair back, and position the hand mirror so you can clearly see the areas you need to examine.[24]
- Position the mirror to see the back of your neck. Look closely for anything crawling, and for nits or nit casings attached to your hair in this area.[25]
- Use a fine tooth comb or a lice comb. To best examine your own hair, you will need to separate sections and comb through them several times. Examine the comb thoroughly after each pass through your hair. Continue to use clips the separate the hair you have already examined.[26]
- Remember to focus on the area around your ears and at the base of your neck. Examining your own hair for lice is difficult, so focusing on the most likely places may help you to determine if you have a lice infestation.[27]
- Look closely at the comb. You may want to use a magnifying glass to examine the comb each time you pass it through your hair. Identify dandruff, tangled hair, fabric, and other items carefully. Small, seed-like, casings will be firmly attached and will be difficult to remove, likely removing the hair follicle with it as you pass the comb through. This will allow you to closely examine what is pulled out and what remains in the comb, to determine if you have lice or nits in your hair.[28]
EditTreating Lice - Treat the infested person. You can treat head lice using products available without a prescription. Follow the directions closely, including any measures recommended for safety.[29]
- Begin by asking the person to put on old clothing. This helps just in case the ingredients contained in the treatment damage the clothing. Also be sure the person has washed their hair, but has not applied conditioner.[30]
- Follow the product directions. Your doctor or pharmacist can help guide you to best product choices. Once the person has been treated following the directions of the product, examine their hair again in about 8 to 12 hours. If you still see lice, but they are moving slowly, then the treatment is still working. Continue with the process of removing as many dead lice and nits as possible by the combing technique.[31]
- Re-treat if lice are still active. As you examine the hair, notice if the lice are still as active as they were, prior to treatment. If this occurs, follow the package directions to re-treat the person infested.[32]
- Follow product instructions if re-treatment is needed. Usually, you should re-treat the person's scalp after one week. Most available products outline how to proceed with a second treatment. Your doctor or pharmacist can help with advice on re-treatment, as well as treating additional family members.[33]
- Treating the environment. Wash and dry all bedding, towels, and clothing that the person came in contact going back 2 days prior to treatment. Use hot water, and set the dryer temperature to a high heat setting.[34]
- Items that cannot be washed can be dry cleaned, or put in a tightly sealed plastic bag for 2 weeks.[35]
- Soak combs and brushes. Each time a comb or brush is used to remove lice and nits, soak the items for 5 to 10 minutes in hot water that is at least 130°F.[36]
- Vacuum the floor and furniture. Head lice only live for about 2 days once they are not on a person. Nits are not able to hatch if they are removed from the normal temperature of a human body, and die within a week.[37]
- Wash clothes and soak combs. Make sure you don't accidentally cause re-infestation. Wash all clothing and bedding in hot water.[38] Store unwashable items in airtight plastic bags for two weeks. Soak combs and other hair accessories, such as bobby pins and clips, in hot water for at least 5 minutes.
- Make sure to wash any soft items, such as stuffed animals or pillows, in hot water.
- Avoid sharing soft items. Lice are often spread to children when they share clothing, hats, scarves, or stuffed animals. Do not allow your child to share these things with others.[39]
- Do not share soft items between family members until all signs of infestation have disappeared.
- Continue to closely examine the hair of the infested person. Follow the combing procedure every 2 to 3 days, and for 2 to 3 weeks, to be sure the person has not been re-infested.[40]
- Allow your child to return to school. After a successful treatment, your child can return to school the next day. Do not keep your child home from school for several days because of lice infestation.[41]
- Make sure that your child does not make head-to-head contact with other children at school.
- Checking for lice on your own head can be extremely difficult. If possible, get someone to help.
- Consider examining other members of the household if you find someone with a lice infestation.
- Lice are transferred from person to person contact. Lice can also spread by contact with items that have been in contact with someone with lice, such as hats, combs, scarves, and headbands. Never share these items with others.
- Lice do not carry bacterial or viral infections.
- Lice can only live for up to 48 hours once they no longer have a human host to feed on.
- Depending on the level of the infestation, you may want to contact your doctor for advice on treatment options, as well as treatment suggestions for the living environment.
EditThings You"ll Need - Fine tooth comb, or lice comb
- Good lighting
- Magnifying glass
- Spray bottle with water
- Tape
- White paper
- Hand mirror
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| How to Make a LEGO Costume Posted: 11 Oct 2016 09:00 AM PDT LEGO costumes are both creative and easy to make. For something quick, try making a basic LEGO brick costume. For something a little more complicated, attempt a LEGO man costume. Here's what you need to know about making either one. EditLEGO Brick Costume - Get a box. The box must be tall enough to cover the entire torso of the intended wearer and about shoulder-wide.
- Do not get a box that extends below the knees or past the elbows, as either trait will make it impossible to move around in. Ideally, the box will end just above the hips and at the shoulder line so that the wearer will still have no difficulties moving around.
- The depth of the box should be no larger than the width, but you may opt for a box with a more shallow depth to make it easier to move around in. At a minimum, the box only needs to be deep enough for the intended wearer to fit into.
- Remove the bottom of a large cardboard box.[1]
- Use a box cutter or sharp pair of scissors to cut the cardboard away in a smooth, even line.
- Tape up the other sides of the box to prevent the cardboard flaps from coming loose.
- Cut holes for the arms and head. The hole for the head will need to be in the center of the top while the holes for the arms will need to be along the sides and toward the top.
- Use a box cutter or sharp pair of scissors to cut circles out for the arms and head.
- Begin with the head. Either gauge the space needed for the head or measure the diameter of the wearer's head with a ruler or tape measure. Cut the hole for the head as near to the middle of the top as possible.
- Slip the box over the wearer before cutting out the arm holes. The exact distance from the top of the box to the top of the arm holes may vary depending on the individual wearing the costume, and so gauging it with the eye after slipping the box on is the best way to determine where the arm holes should go. Usually, this will be about 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) below the top of the box, along the sides. Each hole needs to be at least as wide as the widest part of the wearer's arm.
- Paint a white undercoat. Cover the top and all sides of the box with white spray paint or white acrylic craft paint.
- The white paint creates a "blank slate" of sorts, making it easier for the final color to show accurately without being tinted by the color of the cardboard.
- Use a non-glossy, matte paint. You need to use a type of paint that other paint will stick to, making matte paint a far better choice than glossy paint.
- Paint a color overcoat. Use spray paint or craft paint to cover the box with a primary color.
- Red is the most classic color for a LEGO brick, but you could also paint the box blue or yellow. Multiple colors are an especially good idea if you have multiple people attending the same function as LEGO bricks. Opt for bright, solid shades, like "fire engine" red.
- Both glossy and matte finishes work for this layer of paint, but spray paint is preferable to acrylic craft paint since paint applied by spray tends to be smoother than paint applied with brushes.
- You may need multiple coats of paint, but applying the white layer before the color layer should reduce the total number of color coats.
- Don't worry about getting paint on the inside of the box as you work. It makes no difference whether the inside of the box remains clean or gets accidentally coated in paint.
- Cut out circles of painted cardboard.[2] You will need six even circles, each with a diameter that measures about 1/8 of the box height.
- The circles should be primed with white paint and painted with the same color as the rest of the box.
- A good idea is to save the cardboard bottom you cut out from the box, cut out your circles from that, and paint the circles using the same paint used on the rest of the costume. Additional cardboard may still be needed, though.
- Use a stencil, cookie cutter, or compass to draw and cut out perfectly round circles.
- Instead of using cardboard, you could also use round, shallow food tubs, like the kind holding ice cream or margarine. Paint these using spray paint or craft paint approved for use with plastic.
- Attach the circles to the box. Use a hot glue gun to secure the cardboard circles onto the front of the box in two columns with three rows each.
- The columns and rows should all be evenly aligned, with even spacing between each one.
- You may need to use a ruler or tape measure to mark out the two even columns and three even rows. Do this by dividing the width of the box into three even sections and the height into four even sections. Draw light pencil lines marking off each section, and place the center of one circle over each intersection of lines. Erase the lines when done.
- Wear a matching color beneath the box. Before putting on the LEGO costume, the wearer should slip on a long-sleeve shirt and long pants that closely match the color of the box.
- The shades do not need to be the exact same, but they should be similar. For instance, if you painted a bright red LEGO, wear clothes in other bright shades of red.
EditLEGO Man Costume - Create a LEGO brick body. The body of the LEGO man should be a basic LEGO brick without the circles or connecting links pasted on.
- Remove the bottom from a torso-length and shoulder-width cardboard box. Cut holes out for the head and arms, and paint the box red.
- If you feel a little more daring, you could try creating a shirt pattern on the front of the box. Spray paint the box white and draw a collar and two pockets on the front. Outline these features with black paint, and use a pencil and paintbrush to paint a red tie on the front.
- Underneath the box, wear a long-sleeve shirt that matches the color of the cardboard torso.
- Alter sonotube to create a head.[3] Cut the sonotube so that the height is roughly 4 inches (10 cm) taller than the length between the base of the wearer's neck and the top of the wearer's head. Cover the top of the sonotube with a cardboard circle and cut out two holes for the eyes.
- Sonotube is a type of thick cardboard cylinder usually used for forming round concrete columns. You can use any cardboard or styrofoam cylinder large enough to fit over your head, however.
- Place the sonotube over a flat piece of cardboard and trace a circle that perfectly matches the diameter of the tube. Cut this circle out with scissors or a box cutter and glue it to the sonotube with craft glue or hot glue.
- Gauge where the eye holes need to be by holding the sonotube next to the wearer's head. Use a pencil to mark off where they eye level of the LEGO head needs to be. Draw and cut out your eye holes at this level.
- Spray paint the entire cylinder yellow. Draw a smile beneath the eye holes using black paint and a paintbrush.
- Attach a small circle onto the top of the painted sonotube. Paint a small, thin, round container or circular piece of cardboard yellow and glue it to the top of the sonotube.
- The circle should be half the diameter of the sonotube.
- Use craft glue or hot glue to attach the circle to the sonotube. The two centers should be aligned.
- Paint and divide two leg-length boxes.[4] Spray paint two length-length boxes black or dark blue. Cut the boxes in half at knee-height and fix them together with heavy-duty craft wire.
- The boxes should be just wide enough for the wearer's legs to fit through and just long enough to reach from the top of the leg to the top of the foot. Make sure that the boxes are snug on the wearer's legs to help keep them in place.
- Cutting the box in half at the knee allows the wearer to bend at the knee. Punch even holes in the top and bottom of each half and thread wire through the holes to connect the two halves together. The wire will keep the leg halves together while allowing the wearer to continue bending the knee.
- Also connect the legs to the torso box using the same heavy-duty craft wire. Punch a hole in the bottom of the torso box on each side and another hole in the tops of each top leg halves.
- Wear yellow mittens and black shoes. Use thin yellow mittens to mimic the appearance of LEGO man hands. Wear shoes that match the color of your LEGO man pants, whether those are black or blue.
- Make sure to wear mittens, not gloves. You should not wear anything that has separate fingers.
EditThings You'll Need - Large cardboard box
- Scissors or box cutter
- Tape
- White paint
- Red paint
- Paintbrush
- Extra cardboard
- Shallow, round containers
- Compass, stencil, or cookie cutter
- Matching clothes
- Sonotube or another cardboard tube
- Yellow paint
- Two narrow cardboard boxes
- Black or blue paint
- Heavy-duty craft wire
- Yellow mittens
- Ruler or tape measure
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| How to Distinguish Between a Pyramid Scheme and Multi Level Marketing Posted: 11 Oct 2016 01:00 AM PDT |
| How to Treat the Zika Virus Posted: 10 Oct 2016 05:00 PM PDT There are many outbreaks of the Zika virus going on around the world at this time. If you have been diagnosed with Zika, you can use home strategies and over-the-counter medication to treat the symptoms of the viral infection. There is no medical cure for Zika, but your symptoms should improve after about a week.[1] There are some things that you can do to ease your symptoms until you feel better and you should also be aware of the potential complications of Zika. Given that we are still collecting incidence data, if someone has traveled to an area with Zika and feel that they have the infection, they should present to their doctor's office for further testing EditTreating the Zika Virus - Take acetaminophen. Zika can cause muscle pain and headaches, so try taking an over-the counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen. The usual dose is between 500 to 1000mg every four to six hours.[2] Max dosage for acetaminophen is 4000mg in 24 hours. You can find acetaminophen in your local drugstore or pharmacy. Make sure that you read and follow the instructions on the bottle.
- Avoid taking NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil) or aspirin until after your Zika virus diagnosis has been confirmed by a physician. Symptoms of Zika can be similar to dengue fever and if you have dengue fever, taking Ibuprofen or Aspirin may increase your risk of bleeding and hemorrhage.[3]
- Rest as much as possible.[4] There is no anti-viral medication available to treat the Zika virus, so your immune system will have to fight the infection on its own. You can support your immune system by resting as much as possible.
- Try to sleep for at least eight hours every night and take naps during the day as needed.
- Take some time off of work and try to relax at home.
- Avoid stressful or energy-consuming activities while you are recovering.
- Drink plenty of fluids.[5] The Zika virus can cause dehydration, so make sure that you drink plenty of water. Aim for about eight 8 ounce glasses per day. You can also include some decaffeinated tea and juice to hydrate yourself.
- You may even want to include an electrolyte sports drink each day. The salt in the sports drink may help your body to hold onto some extra water.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol while you are sick with Zika. Caffeine and alcohol will make dehydration worse.
- See a doctor if you suspect you have Zika. If you think you may have been exposed to Zika or you may be sick, you should see your physician. This is especially true for women who are pregnant or actively trying to become pregnant.
- Get vaccinated if and when a vaccine is released.[6] Medical researchers are currently working on developing a vaccine against the Zika infection. However, it has not yet been created and there is no announced release date. If a vaccine does become available, make sure that you get vaccinated as soon as possible.
EditTreating the Potential Complications - Watch for potential complications. The main two complications that may be associated with the Zika virus include GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that affects the nerves and may lead to paralysis) and microcephaly (an abnormally small head circumference in infants born from infected mothers).[7][8] The connection between these two complications and the Zika virus has not been confirmed, but there is a strong suspicion that they are related.
- Any woman who is pregnant or trying to become pregnant and has traveled to countries with confirmed Zika should present to their physician at the first sign of any infection.
- Because the potential complications are much more severe than the Zika virus itself, it is important to be aware of how to treat complications if and when they arise.
- Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you may have GBS.[9] GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the nervous system. It damages the outer covering of the nerves, leading to sensations of numbness and it may also cause paralysis. GBS starts in the feet and toes and then moves up towards the head.[10] Treatment for GBS includes:
- Ventilator support. You may need help breathing if the paralysis moves to your breathing muscles.
- Plasma exchange. You may receive an infusion of new plasma (blood) to remove autoimmune antibodies that are causing the damage to your nerves.
- Immunoglobulin therapy. This treatment fights the autoimmune antibodies in your system that are causing GBS.
- Medications. You may need some medications for pain and other symptom management as needed.
- Get help for a child born with microcephaly. Microcephaly is a possible complication of the Zika virus that may affect the unborn baby of an infected pregnant woman. A baby born with microcephaly may have an abnormally small head, developmental delays, and mental retardation. This condition can also cause an infant to die. Microcephaly has no cure, but there are strategies to support a child born with this condition.[11][12]
- Support strategies include community and academic support programs, as well as monitoring and support from your child's doctor.
- If you are pregnant and have been diagnosed with Zika, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
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