Nits And Several Methods Of Treatment
Head lice have been around as long as there have been human beings. Lice are a parasite that live off their human host. They can lay their eggs, called nits, anywhere on the body that there is hair, although head hair is the most common place, and must be combed out of the hair using a special head lice comb. A shampoo lice treatment is also beneficial to kill the mature head lice.
The first thing someone should do if they have lice is to take away the outside sources of lice. Pillow cases, sheets, combs and other items that touch the affected area should be removed. Anything that can be washed should be. Other items should be put in an air-tight container for a minimum of 2 weeks. Next, the actual head must be treated.
The easiest way of treating head lice is to shave the head of the infected person. A trim will not work: the head must be completely shaved. Obviously, this is easier and less burdensome when the infected hair is not on the head. However, since many people are uncomfortable shaving their head, other treatments are recommended.
Less dramatic methods for treatment of head lice also exist. It's helpful to use a lice comb to get nits out of the hair, but that treatment alone usually isn't wholly effective. If you feel more comfortable with natural remedies, you're in good company. Many people are concerned about the possible side effects of chemical solutions; however, the chemical treatments are almost always the best. All-natural solutions minimize the problem but rarely completely eradicate it. Some natural solutions may actually be more harmful than their chemical counterparts because they aren't required to have government regulation!
The doctor preferred treatment would be the application of a chemical solution of 1% permethrin or pyrethrin. These pesticides kill lice by impairing their ability to breathe. The solution is applied for approximately two weeks. It is important to supplement the treatment with daily removal of any eggs with a lice comb. A doctor should be consulted before you begin treatment with any pesticide. The pesticides should be applied on in the scalp area only to dry hair.
Less traditional options are also available. Some contend that combing standard conditioner through the infested hair and leaving it in place for four or more hours can be effective since it lessens the ability of the lice to cling to the hair and makes their nits easier to see. Electric combs designed to treat lice are also commercially available. People with high risk of exposure to lice may wish to keep their hair cut fairly short, since some believe that lice are attracted to long hair. These methods of treating head lice are relatively new and have not been subjected to rigorous scientific testing to determine their effectiveness.
Seeking the advice of a doctor is recommended due to the numerous treatments available. Having a doctor can best judge the treatment required, or give suggestions as to what he or she believes is healthy.
Nits are the eggs left behind by lice. In humans, lice normally feed on the skin and blood located at the scalp. Removing them from the hair strand can be extremely difficult and usually needs a special lice treatment. A lice comb can be used to pick out the eggs, but this treatment on its own is not sufficient. Less common methods of treating head lice may also work. By weakening the lice's hold and making them more visible, ordinary hair conditioner may be an effective treatment when combed through the hair, and allowed to set for four hours or more.
Published September 14th, 2007
