Head Lice Resources

headlice February 15th, 2007

While head lice continue to be an ongoing problem across the world, it is vital that people are aware of how quickly the problem can spread.  Lice are a problem that can be solved by treating them immediately, but the longer you allow them to set in the hair, the more the lice will increase.  What many people don't realize is that it is nits that can cause the most problems.

Nits are the first sign that the problem is worsening.  Nits are shiny white empty eggshells that are made by adult lice mating.  The eggs laid by the female louse are firmly attached individual hairs, making it extremely difficult to remove.  After seven or eight days, the eggs hatch and out come the growing problem of baby louse.

The one advantage to nits that you have over adult lice is that they do not move.  Head lice move rapidly across the scalp making it difficult to catch and remove.  Nits on the other hand are laid and then set on the scalp without moving.

While it seems as if it would be simple to remove nits since they remain still, they are actually much more difficult to remove than lice.  Nits are extremely small and can often be mistaken for dandruff or droplets of hairspray.  Then, when you do spot nits they are firmly attached to the hair shaft.  It can be painful on your child when removing the nits because pulling may be required to get them to release from the hair shaft.

• Head Nits , Head Lice , Hair Lice , Nits