Head
lice are tiny parasitic insects
that live on the scalp and feed
on very small amounts of blood
from the scalp. Lice feed on
blood from the scalp about every
4 to 6 hours, and they can survive
up to 3 days off the scalp.
This may sound awful but it
is a very common problem. Mostly
in children age 3 to 12 years
and more common in girls than
boys. Because the lice bite
the scalp it can become itchy
and irritated but lice are not
dangerous and do not spread
disease. They are just annoying
and cause skin infection due
to scratching of the skin and
can cause infection.
Lice are Detectable
Lice are small but can be seen
by the naked eye. Lice eggs
also called nits look like tan
brown or yellowish dots. When
the eggs hatch the shell will
look white or clear. The lice
lay eggs on the hair shaft very
close to the scalp, providing
the perfect temperature for
keeping the eggs warm until
they hatch. They sort of look
like dandruff but they stick
to the hair shaft and do not
brush away. Usually the eggs
are the first thing detected
and when the infestation is
heavier you will notice live
lice crawling on the scalp.
They usually hatch within 1
to 2 weeks and become adult
lice at about 7 days. Adult
lice are not any bigger than
a sesame seed and the color
remains a brownish tan.
Lice are Contagious
Group settings like: schools,
child care facilities, sporting
activities and playgrounds are
the most likely the places to
come in contact with these pesky
critters. Lice do not jump or
fly head to head contact is
the main way lice are spread
but sharing brushes, hats and
clothing are prime vehicles
for lice to get from person
to person. Their claws allow
them to crawl and cling firmly
to the hair. These pests are
passed from person to person
not pets to people or people
to pets.
Now you have lice what
do you do?
There are medicated shampoos,
cream or lotions you can get
over the counter to kill the
lice. You can ask your child’s
doctor to recommend a brand
or to prescribe a treatment.
Lice can become resistant to
certain chemicals and your treatment
can be unsuccessful. You should
certainly consult your child’s
doctor or pharmacist to recommend
another treatment. It is extremely
important to follow the directions
exactly as specified by the
product manufacturer. These
products are insecticides and
over use can cause harm and
misuse can cause your treatment
to be unsuccessful.
Do not treat a child age two
or under with medicated treatments!
You will have to remove lice
and eggs by hand using a fine
toothed comb and your fingers.
Due tocalp irritation it may
take a few days for the itching
to subside. Some doctors recommend
treating the head again in 7
to 10 days to avoid getting
lice again right away.
Use a fine-tooth comb on your
child's hair after regular shampooing
every 3 to 4 days for 2 weeks.
Make sure the hair is wet before
combing because it temporarily
immobilizes the lice and they
become easier to comb out.
Although lice do not live long
after they are off of the scalp,
some work needs to be done around
the house to prevent getting
them back. It is important to
wash all bedding and clothing
in hot soapy water. If your
child plays with stuffed animals
it would be a good idea to wash
them as well. Soak all hair
brushes, and accessories in
rubbing alcohol, or medicated
shampoo for at least one hour.
Be sure to vacuum carpets and
upholstered things including
your car seats. Make sure to
treat all infested family members
to so the lice won’t keep
coming back.
You can only try to
prevent head lice
Anyone can get head lice it
doesn’t mean you are unclean
or that you do not have good
hygiene. It can be a problem
for anyone of any age and or
social level no matter how often
they wash their hair or bathe.
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