Head lice often evoke a strong reaction of disgust and discomfort, and children are especially susceptible to these pests. Once infested, it can feel nearly impossible to get rid of them. Fortunately, there are preventative steps that can be taken to avoid infestation.
Explaining Head Lice
Head lice are small, wingless insects that thrive in human hair and survive by feeding on blood. They are difficult to spot and can quickly multiply, typically residing on the scalp. The lifecycle of a louse from egg to adult spans about three to four weeks.
Head lice spread through direct contact with an infested person or their belongings, commonly nesting in items like hats, jackets, couches, pillows, and hairbrushes. Despite their parasitic nature and itchy bites, head lice do not transmit diseases and their presence is not an indicator of poor hygiene. They are simply blood-feeding insects that do not discriminate based on cleanliness.
Signs Of Head Lice
Identifying a head lice infestation is usually straightforward due to symptoms like constant scalp itching. However, because lice can spread rapidly and easily, recognizing all the signs early is crucial for prompt and effective treatment.
Head lice bites lead to an itchy scalp because their saliva triggers an allergic reaction, similar to mosquitoes. However, not everyone reacts the same way. The onset of itching varies based on individual sensitivity to lice, with some people, particularly children, not showing symptoms for weeks—a concerning factor given the rapid life cycle of the insects.
Scratching an itchy scalp can result in a rash due to secondary bacterial infection. This often manifests as swollen lymph nodes, inflamed and red skin, or skin that crusts and oozes.
Although it might take weeks for the itchiness to emerge, lice eggs, or nits, can be detected earlier with careful inspection. Using a fine-tooth comb on damp hair is the most effective method. Nits might resemble dandruff, but they are not easily dislodged by shaking or brushing. They vary in color from yellow to tan or brown before hatching, and then turn white or clear yellow post-hatching.
Life Cycle Of Head Lice
Baby head lice, or nymphs, mature into adults within 1-3 weeks and hatch at a similar pace. Lice feed multiple times daily and can live up to 2 days without a host. Adult head lice are about the size of a sesame seed and their color can range from grayish-white to tan, making them look somewhat like sesame seeds as well.
Treatment
When it comes to treating head lice, it's crucial to approach the process with caution. First and foremost, avoid using pesticides or harsh chemicals on anyone's scalp, especially a child's. The potential harm from these chemicals outweighs their questionable efficacy against head lice. Additionally, many head lice treatments contain flammable ingredients, so it's important to steer clear of using hair dryers or other heat sources during treatment to prevent any risk of fire.
Manual Removal With A Fine-Tooth Comb
Use the comb on damp hair. Start by detangling with a wide-tooth comb to prevent pulling and discomfort.
Combing Technique: Partition the hair into 1-inch sections and use a bright light for visibility. Begin at the scalp and roots, carefully pulling the fine-tooth comb through the hair.
Cleaning the Comb: After each pass, wipe the comb clean with a disposable paper towel. Repeat this process twice per section before shampooing the hair again or applying any medicated lice treatments.
Post-Treatment Comb Care: Soak the comb in water at a minimum temperature of 130°F for at least 10 minutes. Additionally, wash all soft surfaces such as bedding, rugs, and couch cushions at the same minimum temperature to eliminate any remaining lice or nits.
OTC Or Prescription
Medication Treatment Options: Another approach to treating head lice involves using medicated shampoos and conditioners available over-the-counter or obtaining prescription-strength treatments from a doctor. Some of these treatments are safe for children as young as six months, provided they are recommended by a healthcare provider. Over-the-counter treatments typically need to remain in the hair for a few days to be effective, during which time it's important to comb the hair twice daily with a lice comb. However, it's crucial to adhere to the specific instructions provided with each product to avoid any safety risks.
Follow-Up Combings Recommended by Health Organizations: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest using a lice comb 8-12 hours after starting treatment and then every 2-3 days thereafter for several weeks. Similarly, the American Academy of Dermatology advises continuing to use the lice comb for at least 7-9 days post-treatment, or longer if necessary, to ensure all lice and nits are removed, even if the treatment appears to have been successful.
Consideration of Home Remedies: While home remedies such as mayonnaise, butter, or olive oil are popularly believed to incapacitate head lice, there is no scientific evidence that these methods effectively kill or eliminate lice. Nevertheless, they might serve as supplementary measures to ease combing, especially for those who prefer to reserve chemical treatments as a last resort.
