Headlice - What Are They And How To Treat Them?

Being a common problem among children who are in close contact during elementary school and day care even headlice live not only on the scalp, but can travel to other hair on the head, which include facial and eyebrows. Lice on other body hair is referred to as public lice, or body lice.

Contrary to popular belief, headlice do not fly (they have no wings) and they cannot jump. They crawl from one location to the next, and the females lay eggs called nits. A female louse can lay 50 to 100 nits before dying. The nits are attached to the hairs using a sticky substance, making them difficult to remove manually from the hair shaft. Once the nit is left by the female louse, it takes about 10 days to mature to an adult.

Once a child has been found to be harboring headlice by a nurse or teacher, parents ask themselves how to get rid of hair lice. There are several ways to do so; lice shampoo, available at most local pharmacies and drugstores, is one way. There are also special lice combs and herbal remedies (usually made with coconut or tea tree oils) that will help dispel an infestation of lice.

The areas where your child spends the most time, especially his or her bedroom, must be thoroughly treated. This involves daily vacuuming to suck up loose nits or lice and washing sheets, clothes, and stuffed animals in the hottest water possible and drying them on the hottest cycle.

It isn’t possible to completely prevent all lice infestations. However, some simple hygienic tips will greatly reduce the probablilty of your child getting headlice. Make sure you child does not share hats, hoods, or other headwear with other children, and wipe off headphones and other items worn over the head or ears. Check your child for signs such as white spots that don’t come off when combed or frequent head scratching.

If you find that your child does indeed have head lice, inform his or her teacher and or the school nurse so then other children can be checked to prevent a widespread epidemic. Several schools now require that a child with head lice remain at home until treated and is fully clear is lice and nits. Refer to your school for detailed regulations on these policies.

Head lice is a common problem for todays kids, especially once they are in daycare or school. Lice do not fly, but are passed from child to child when in close contact. Many parents struggle to learn how to get rid of head lice. One option is to use a lice shampoo. Other ways to treat headlice include using a nit comb or herbal treatment. Teach your kids not to share hats, helmets or any hooded clothing, and check for signs of lice frequently. Inform your child’s teacher or caregiver if you find signs of lice, so they can help stop the spread of the problem.

- norman horowitz