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There are many different methods of head lice treatment. Most fall into two basic categories: those using harsh chemicals, and those that rely more on the combing process. Those that use chemicals can be dangerous both to the user and to the environment. Those that stress combing take longer but are safer. This combing process is where the term "nit picking" comes from, since the combing uses a special fine-toothed comb that removes the nits from the hair.

The first course of action is to apply an over the counter lice wash. Make certain that you follow all instructions to the letter, taking special care on the instruction of how long to leave in the product prior to rinsing. Another option would be the suffocation of lice by coating the scalp with petrolatum, olive oil, or mayonnaise overnight. Put on a shower cap to protect your bedding overnight, then rinse your hair the following morning.

Whether you use a commercial wash or a home remedy, the next step in treating head lice is combing out the nits. A special nit comb can be purchased at any pharmacy. Nit combs are extremely fine toothed and stiff. The close spacing of the teeth catch nits as the comb passes through the hair. You may be squeamish about this task, but knowing some basic information about head lice may help you get over it. Head lice cannot jump or fly so they are not easily transferred to the person combing the nits out.

Now that you've completed your head lice treatment, you also need to clear your house of lice and nits. Head lice live on the scalp of a person, but they can survive for up to 55 hours on their own. So everything that has touched a lice-infested person must be washed to get rid of any lice, including beddings and clothing. It isn't required to use special detergent to kill the lice, just standard detergent and hot water. When you need to disinfect an item that you can't wash, try some lice spray.

Nits are capable of surviving for 14 days without a host, so items that can not be thoroughly cleaned should be discarded or quarantined for two weeks. Stuffed animals that commonly share a bed with a young child should be kept isolated in an airtight bag. Some physicians will also recommend taking a vacation to avoid a further infestation.

Sharing hats and combs and brushes is the most common way of spreading head lice. The lice can take refuge in these items and be transferred to the other person's head. Schools inspect students' heads on a regular basis to try to control the spread of head lice. Parents and other caregivers should do the same. Friends and neighbors should be contacted immediately when there is an outbreak of head lice. Head lice are not a sign of uncleanness.