Articles

Headlice (scientific name Pediculus humanus capitis), are tiny, wingless parasites that thrive on the scalp of humans, most commonly at the back of the neck at the base of the skull, and behind the ears. The eggs are called nits and are the easiest way to identify a lice infestation. The nits appear to be white bits of dandruff, but upon further inspection, one can see the oval shape of the eggs and they are difficult to detach from the individual hair.

The nits hatch after about one week, and the baby lice are called nymphs. They are identical looking to the adults, only smaller. They are considered to be adults after approximately seven days. The adult louse has a 30-day lifespan, and feeds on blood. A louse has six legs, each with a hook-like claw at the end to attach themselves to their hosts' hair. Because of this firm attachment by the nits and adults to the host's hair, it can be difficult to treat a case of headlice.

Symptoms of an infestation of headlice include intense itching, especially at the base of the skull, a tickling, or crawling sensation at the scalp; and red, sore spots on the scalp caused by scratching. It's possible to see adult lice, but they are very quick and apt at avoiding detection. The diagnosis can usually be made from observation of the aforementioned symptoms and the appearance of the nits.

You should remember that a headlice infestation has nothing to do with poor hygiene. Normal strength shampoos, soaps and detergents will not be enough to kill these parasites. They are tough to kill and hard to detach from the hairs they are attached to. Some of the ways to treat them are with special combs and medicated shampoos. Doctors are also able to prescribe medication to treat lice.

Lice treatment shampoo containing the pesticides pyrethrins or permethrin can be purchased over the counter, some will include the special "nit-picking" comb required to comb the attached nits from the hair. Or, your doctor may prescribe a medication called malathion or lindane. It is important to not only treat the diagnosed person, but all other members of the household who are infected as well. Bedding and clothing worn by the infected person should be washed. After treatment, the comb should be used to pick dead lice and nits from the hair.

Some home remedies for head lice include soaking the hair in alcohol-based mouth wash or white vinegar, Using shampoos with tea tree oil, or working mayonnaise throughout the hair and allowing it cover the entire head, smothering the lice and suffocating the nits.