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Head Lice - How to Avoid and Get Rid of Lice

A head louse is a tiny grey/brown insect that is found on the scalp, it feeds on blood from the host by biting through the scalp. The lice live for approximately 3 weeks. Nits are the empty eggshells of baby lice that have hatched. These eggs are laid by the female after mating with the male and attach themselves to the hair near to the scalp.

Head lice and nits are a very common problem amongst young children (4-11). Lice are only transferable from head to head not via clothing or hats etc.

Note that adults can be infected with head lice from children.

How do I identify Lice or Nits?
To identify lice and nits it is advised to buy a nit comb from your chemist. Comb the hair from the roots to the very tips of the hair and check the comb. The hair could also be combed over a piece of white tissue or a piece of paper to identify the lice. Vinegar or lemon in the water may help to persuade the lice to leave the scalp.

What are the Symptoms?
Lice may live in a child's hair for weeks before any real symptoms are identified. The bite from a louse can cause severe itching and irritation of the scalp and neck. Lice droppings look like a fine black powder - this may be found on your child's pillow.

How do I treat head lice?
Treatment is only valid if you find lice, if you only find nits then the lice may have already cleared up.

A number of treatments are available including -

  • Insecticides
  • Frequent combing
  • Alternative treatments

Insecticides
These are normally in the form of shampoos and lotions. Both can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy or as a prescription. The Louse eggs are often more difficult to treat than the lice as the lotion may not penetrate the shell, it is advisable to repeat the treatment after a week to eradicate any newborn lice. It is worth noting that some insecticides have the side effect of causing scalp irritation.

Frequent combing
This is also known as "bug busting" and requires a highly motivated family. Bug busting requires combing (with a nit comb) at least every 4 days over a two-week period so newly hatched lice are removed before they can lay any eggs. I would recommend that this treatment is carried out daily once an infestation is found. I would also suggest treating all members of the family.

Alternative treatments
Usually in the form of tea tree oil but it is not scientifically proven and may also cause scalp irritation.

NOTE: The health section of Parenting.co.uk is not to be used as a substitute for your GP; if your child is ill then seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay.

 

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