Headlice - A Big Problem!
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.
Treat the areas where your child is at most frequently. Places such as his or her bedroom, living room, and other areas of play. Make sure to vacuum daily to remove any nits or lice from the carpet. Wash all soft items like clothing, stuffed animals, and bedding in hot water and dry them on the hottest cycle, this is all important to treat your child's lice infestation.
Prevention of lice is sometimes impossible, but practicing good hygiene is important. Instruct your child not to share hats, helmets, or hooded clothing with other children. Wipe off items like headphones between use. Frequently check your child for any signs of headlice, which can include white spots that do not comb off easily, and watch your child for frequent itching or scratching of the head.
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.
Headlice is a common problem that affects children in most schools. A female adult, called a louse, lays eggs that then mature and attach themselves to human hair. Anyone who has ever had lice wants to know how to get rid of head lice quickly. Lice are very itchy and can disturb people who are carrying them. The best way to get rid of the critters is to treat your hair with lice shampoo. You can find this over the counter in drug stores or you can get it prescribed by a doctor. In addition to using the shampoo, you will have to wash all your clothes and bedding.
Published August 23rd, 2007
