Body
I have a problem. I don't know if I have head lice or not. I don't think I do but my head is always itchy and my hair is dry. I can't seem to find anything in my hair, just a few white specks.
Once, I took a bath and soaked my hair into it. I found two tiny little black things that looked like they might be lice. How do I know if a have lice? I'm really scared.
I really don't want lice! Every time my head itches I freak out! Am I overreacting? HELP!
Hey Babe,
Relax! You might just have a dry, flaky scalp or dandruff, which can be treated quickly and painlessly.
Consider other probs, first
The signs of good ol' dandruff are just what you're describing—an itchy head with flakes found on the top of your head, around your hairline or on your clothes (think shoulders and upper back).
Dry winter weather, taking excessively hot showers or even something as simple as not rinsing out all of your shampoo can cause a dry, flaky scalp. Puberty and hormones might also cause this condition.
Fight the flakes!
Try using shampoos and conditioners that are specially targeted towards fighting dandruff (Head and Shoulders works great!). Take colder showers, and really massage conditioner into your scalp so that it acts like a lotion for your head.
If you're still freaked out have a parent or sibling or close friend inspect your head. Tell them to look for louse as well as small red bumps or irritations and little white eggs attached to the hair shaft near the scalp.
Don't use a treatment shampoo for lice if you're not 100 percent certain that you have lice.
Feel better!
xo Keltie
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BY CAITLIN R. ON 11/1/2009 7:00:00 AM 47 COMMENTS
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My friends say they shave there pubic hair and I don't know what to do because my mom has never said I should.
I don't want to ask my mom because it's embarrassing.
What should I do?
Hey girl, when it comes to your growing body, there are some there's a thin line between things that are OK to say out and stuff that might be a big convo TMI. That said, when it comes to shaving down there, know it’s not something you have to do—in fact, a lot of girls and women don’t. Just 'cause your friends do it, doesn’t mean you should or need to do it, too. The best thing about your bod is you get to make your own (hopefully good!) choices about it.
Exercise the right to make your own decisions....
But when figuring out what to do about this sitch, ask yourself the following big Q: Are you comfortable with shaving there? Most women or girls do so during bikini season, but it’s getting cooler now. Is it necessary? If you think it is, crack out the razor and look for shaving cream for sensitive skin; your local drug or grocery store may have some shaving creams geared towards the bikini area. If it’s not for you, no biggie. In the end, what you do is no one’s business but yours, and it’s OK either way.
But don't be afraid to ask for guidance.
Remember, girlie, your bod’s going through a lot of changes right now. While stuff like this may be a li’l bit awkward, it’s important that you’re able to talk to someone about what’s going on. It may seem silly or embarrassing but believe me, your mom’s just there help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to her, your neighbor or even your guidance counselor or nurse if you need some advice on what to expect. All these lovely ladies have gone through all these changes and you can count on them as your go-to experts.
You’re one step closer to being an adult—inside and out. Sure it's time to make your own decisions, but don't be afraid to reach out to others along the way. Growing up’s your own journey, not your friends’—it’s all about the people and ride.
Infinite xoxo’s,
Alyssa B.
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BY CAITLIN R. ON 10/25/2009 7:00:00 AM 60 COMMENTS
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I have blackheads in my ear and I don't know how to get rid of them!
What are some ways to help them just disappear?
-Blackhead Babe
Hey chica,
I can totally understand what you’re going through. Blackheads can be a total pain. But don’t sweat it because with a few easy steps, you’ll be blackhead-free in a blink!
Before I tell you the oh-so easy method though, you should know that clogging your pores is what causes these zits. After you get rid of your current blackheads, make sure you take the time to prevent them from showing up in the first place! Wash your face and ears with a cleanser daily and make sure it’s the right product for your skin.
Presenting...super-easy steps for blackhead-free ears!
1. Use a mild scrub to remove any dead cells. It’ll help your blackheads show up more clearly.
2. Dry your ears by patting down gently.
3. Using a warm/hot cloth, exfoliate your pores in the blackhead area. Simply place the cloth on 'em and wait about 10 minutes. This will really help later.
4. Repeat step two.
5. Wrap the tip of your fingers with tissues. You don’t want any germs from your finger moving to your face or your fingers to slip!
6. Apply some pressure to both sides of the exposed blackhead by pushing down, then up. You're applying pressure from underneath the blackhead so the oil that’s clogged in comes out. If it doesn’t pop out, your black head might not be ready to come out yet. You should try the warm cloth again so that you’re not irritating your skin constantly.
Keep up the good habits
With these easy steps, your ears will be smooth and clear in no time! Of course, you may be wondering: “why can’t I just use nose strips?” Well, nose strips are strictly for the nose and can actually peel off your healthy skin cells, too (what a waste!). So, choose a good amount of time to attack your blackheads one at a time and you’ll feel and look great for sure!
Good luck!
Jeannie
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BY CAITLIN R. ON 10/18/2009 7:00:00 AM 51 COMMENTS
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Before I started the sixth grade, I was wearing a bra when I didn't need it. I am in seventh grade now and when I look around, most girls have cleavage.
I leave my bra off at night, but I wonder if my bra is preventing my breasts from growing. Is it also a possibility that growing boobs is hereditary?
My mother and older sister didn't start developing until late high school. They are both D’s now. So, I guess my real question is this: is my bra holding me back from developing?
Like I’m sure you’ve heard before, all gals develop at diff times and diff rates. Your bra has nada to do with when you get boobs. Some girls start puberty when they’re still in elementary school, but others don’t 'til they hit high school. So, as much as you may not like it, it’s not something you have to worry about.
There's no way to know for sure...
I didn’t get my period until ninth grade, and I was practically a string bean until about tenth grade. It can be way frustrating to be so thin and “flat” while all your besties are developing womanly curves. How and when our bodies grow can be hereditary, but it isn’t always. So if your mom and big sis didn’t develop until later on, there’s def a good chance that it could be the same for you. But at the same time, you could start getting breasts next week or next year. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know for sure until it actually happens.
You're beautiful just the way you are!
You prob wish you could just know now, but keep in mind you’re not alone! Tons of girls don’t develop until waaay later than seventh grade. Unfortunately, you just gotta relax and be patient. In the meantime embrace the stuff that makes ya beautiful that's on the inside—like a great sense of humor or your fab photography skills. Your body will decide when its ready to start growing up, but you're ALWAYS gorgeous just the way you are!
Xoxo
Kristen Y.
THINK YOU'VE GOT A BODY BLUNDER? CLICK HERE to submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk!
BY CAITLIN R. ON 10/11/2009 7:00:00 AM 79 COMMENTS
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