How to get rid of head lice
Cooties aren't cute and nit-picking is a necessity if
you have a head louse problem. Find a head louse treatment which is up to
scratch.
There was some news last week from
the Center for Disease Control that some head lice are becoming harder to treat.
They have apparently done an evolutionary type of "change" and some seem to be
adapting to specific shampoos used to eradicate them. This could be a parents
worst nightmare. Take heart however, pyrethrum shampoos are still the best way to get rid of head lice.
Head lice seem to be very hardy bugs and have been around for thousands of
years. They are very contagious if your child comes into direct contact with the
head of someone who is infected. You can also come into contact with head lice
by sharing combs and brushes, or hats. Head lice can also be picked up from
sharing pillows and from some upholstered furniture. It is a good idea to keep
any area where the person infected with head lice may sit vacuumed before,
during, and after the treatment process.
If your child comes into contact with head lice at home it is very important
that you notify his/her school and any playmates immediately. If your child is
under two years of age it is best to contact your pediatrician for head lice
treatment advice as most pyrethrum shampoos are generally not recommended for
children under the age of two.
Using a shampoo formulated to specifically kill head lice is still the most
effective method of eradication. Make sure that you follow the directions
exactly. Pay close attention to the thickness and length of the hair of the
infected individual. You may need to use more shampoo to ensure proper coverage.
As with treating other types of infestations, such as fleas, head lice sometimes
need to be treated twice. Head lice shampoos have some difficulty penetrating
the head lice eggs which can hatch generally a week to ten days after the first
treatment. A second shampoo treatment usually kills all the freshly hatched head
lice. Don't be upset, many times a second head lice treatment is necessary. The
use of the nit comb is also an important part of treatment. The nit comb is
specifically designed with small very close teeth. This nit comb will help you
to comb out all killed and dying head lice from the scalp/hair which is the best
way to keep an eye on the progress you are making.
Clothing and bedding will also need to be washed on a daily basis during
treatment. Use hot water to wash clothing. Any hat or scarf or clothing item
that came into contact with the head lice infested individual will need to be
dry cleaned if you can't wash them.
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Head Lice
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