Odd Growths in Children’s Hair at Mountain Home
Hello everyone, I wanted to share an unusual observation concerning the daughters of my partner, aged 7 and 9. Whenever they visit their family's mountain residence, they develop a peculiar bump in their hair after spending just one day there. This growth starts to appear, continues to enlarge, and eventually disappears on its own when they return home. Interestingly, we have ruled out changes in laundry detergent, bedding, and hair products, as their stays are brief and they don't wash their hair during these visits. Despite consulting with pharmacists, no one seems to have a clear explanation for this phenomenon. They have been experiencing this for some time now, with the younger sibling beginning to show symptoms last year. This occurrence aligns with their annual family gathering, yet none of the adults or older relatives report similar issues. While the bumps are itchy, they do not seem to cause any pain. The children often play beneath a linden tree, but beyond that, we are at a loss regarding the cause. Any thoughts or insights would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Answers (1)

8/8/2025, 9:20:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are observing a recurring and concerning issue with your partner’s daughters that appears tied to their time spent at a specific location. The bumps you're describing, especially if they are itchy and develop only in that environment, could indicate a reaction to environmental factors.
Explanation
The growths in the children's hair may be due to a few possible factors, including:
-
Environmental Allergens: Exposure to specific plants, like the linden tree mentioned, could be causing an allergic reaction. While adults may not have noticeable reactions, children’s sensitivities can vary significantly.
-
Insect Bites: It’s possible that the bumps could be a response to insect bites (such as mosquito or other local insects) that occur more frequently while they are outside in the mountains, leading to localized swelling and itchiness.
-
Dermatological Reactions: The children may have a condition that is exacerbated by the outdoor environment, particularly if they have sensitive skin or allergies.
Next Steps
-
Observation: Monitor the children closely for any additional symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or worsening itchiness. Document the size and appearance of the bumps, noting any changes. This will help in identifying patterns related to their environment.
-
Limit Exposure: Try to minimize time spent under the linden tree and observe if this makes a difference. Consider protective clothing or hat if they play outside.
-
Skin Care: Use a gentle moisturizer before visits to potentially soothe and protect their skin. After outdoor play, wash their hair and skin thoroughly to remove any potential allergens.
-
Insect Bite Prevention: Use insect repellent that is suitable for children when they are outdoors, especially if you suspect insect bites might be a factor.
-
Consultation with a Dermatologist: If the bumps persist, worsen, or are a significant concern, consider a visit to a pediatric dermatologist who can provide a more tailored examination and possible allergy testing.
If you notice any severe reactions or if the symptoms escalate, it would be wise to seek further medical advice. Monitoring and managing the situation proactively should help gain more clarity on this phenomenon.
Related Questions
Experiencing Bloating Post-Anal Sex and Douching
Hello everyone, I'm a 26-year-old gay man. For the past three years, I've been engaging in anal intercourse with my partner. Initially, I used a small douche that suited my needs well. However, about a year ago, I decided to purchase a larger model. After trying it out, I experienced significant bloating in my lower abdomen that persisted for about two to three months. Eventually, my stomach returned to its usual shape, but now every time I engage in anal sex, I find myself bloated again, and it takes one to two months for it to go back to normal. I attempted to alleviate the issue by taking probiotics, which seemed to help as the bloating seemed to subside for a while. I thought perhaps I had resolved the matter. However, after bottoming again, I encountered even more bloating than before. Now, I've decided to halt any sexual activity altogether, as I'm genuinely worried about what could be causing these symptoms. I would be grateful for any insights or advice anyone might have on this matter. 🥹
Experiencing Nausea and Dizziness During Pilates
I am a 42-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 185 pounds with no existing medical conditions. Recently, I attended a Pilates session utilizing the reformer, and approximately 15 minutes into the class, I began to feel queasy and lightheaded. While the discomfort subsided temporarily, it returned towards the conclusion of the class and lingered for about 20 minutes after I finished. It’s worth noting that I have not engaged in any exercise apart from walking for quite some time. Additionally, I’m looking to shed some pounds and recognize that my physical fitness isn’t at its peak, especially since I spend most of my day seated at a desk. I’m curious about the reasons behind feeling unwell during a workout, as I have another class scheduled for the coming days and would like to avoid a repeat of this experience.
Chronic Foot Odor - Seeking Advice
For the past year, I have been grappling with a troubling issue regarding foot odor. Initially, I dismissed it, thinking that the unpleasant smell was emanating from other sources around me, like my classmates in the classroom. However, since transferring to a new school, I have noticed this odor reappearing around the fourth month, making me realize that I was the culprit all along. The odor was reminiscent of something decaying, akin to a dead rat, and it filled the classroom, leaving my peers questioning the source. I have to admit, during that past year, I was frequently wearing the same pair of sneakers daily, sometimes without socks, and often with the same dirty ones. This routine undoubtedly contributed to my problem. After conducting some research on the issue and understanding the root causes, I decided it was time for a change. I purchased two new pairs of sneakers to rotate throughout the week and switched to cotton socks. Additionally, I acquired antiseptic soap, an odour-reducing insole, and even antiseptic powder to keep my feet fresh before wearing shoes. I also bought a vegetable loofah to help scrub my feet, which I hadn’t done in the past year, neglecting to wash them properly. Furthermore, I ensure that my shoes get adequate ventilation by exposing them to sunlight or fresh air, and I apply disinfectant spray after each use. Despite these efforts, the foot odor lingers, albeit in a different form. Previously, it was overwhelmingly pungent, but now it carries an odd scent akin to Cheetos or cheese. I find it perplexing, considering that I am following protocols that typically prevent such a problem. Some might suggest a fungal infection, yet there is no itching or abnormalities with my nails, just some redness on the soles and under my toes that could result from pressure, along with minimal peeling between the digits possibly caused by the loofah or the antibacterial soap. I am reaching out to you for insights and recommendations on how to address this persisting issue, as I am feeling quite lost and could really use a fresh perspective. P.S. My shoes and socks don't emit any foul smell once I take them off, and additionally, I have noticed that my urine has had a distinctly strong odor for about a year as well.
Seeking Advice for Dryness After Soap Use on Penis
Hello, I’m a 21-year-old male, and I wanted to share an experience that I believe could use some expert advice. During a recent shower, I mistakenly applied soap to the glans and foreskin of my penis. After my shower, I immediately noticed that the inner part of the foreskin appeared pale and felt quite dry. Initially, I assumed it would improve with time; however, a month has passed, and there has been no noticeable change. Furthermore, I’ve observed that whenever I pull back my foreskin, it tends to stick to the glans. There is no noticeable discomfort or pain when retracting it, but the dry sensation of the glans causes the foreskin to adhere. I recognize that using soap in that area was a poor decision, and I was not fully aware of the potential repercussions. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has suggestions on how to remedy this dryness. I appreciate any guidance you can provide. Thank you!
Risks of Resuming Smoking with Heart Issues
Greetings everyone, I'm a 25-year-old male diagnosed with mild mitral valve prolapse. My history includes intermittent smoking for a span of three years. Notably, in the past year, every time I indulged, I often awoke approximately half an hour after falling asleep, gripped by the sensation as though my heart had ceased to beat. Fortunately, I was able to settle back into sleep quite quickly. In April 2024, after smoking, this unsettling experience recurred; however, I refrained from smoking afterward, only to face the same nightly disruptions without additional symptoms. By May 2024, having abstained from smoking for a month, I found myself waking each night a half hour post-sleep with the same distressing feeling. This was accompanied by a significant increase in premature atrial contractions (PACs), exceeding 20,000 occurrences in a day. Thankfully, I no longer experienced the nighttime awakenings. These PACs persisted until December 2024 without any further smoking, aside from two cigarettes in early September, which led to a brief episode of rapid heart rate (180 BPM) lasting several minutes, although no formal diagnosis was made regarding AFib. The PACs eventually resolved on their own. Throughout this period, I was treated with medication, specifically bisoprolol and flecainide. I discontinued these medications in January 2025 and have remained medication-free since. As of December 2024, I feel completely restored, free from smoking, PAC episodes, and nighttime awakenings. My prevailing concern is: if I were to resume smoking—whether through traditional cigarettes or vaping—what is the likelihood that these issues would reemerge? I’m well aware of the anti-smoking arguments and am specifically looking for a professional's insight on the risks involved. Any overall assessment of my condition would also be greatly appreciated.