A
picture of head lice with close-up view of
nits, which resemble dandruff and are easily
seen around the ears or nape of the neck.
Whether
you're rich or poor, come from a family that practices good
personal hygiene, or one that doesn't so much - head lice
are a concern of parents of school age children everywhere.
Fact is,
nobody is to blame for head lice since they will happily set
up house on any human head (pets & animals don't get them)
they happen to come upon.
If your
kids have becoming infested with head lice, here's some helpful
bug-busting information for keeping the whole family head
lice free during the school season or year round.
How
can you tell if your kids have head lice?
When first
infected, kids may often complain of a tickling sensation
in the hair or on the scalp. Mild or severe itching may also
be reported, brought about by an allergic reaction from lice
saliva. Sores may also erupt from constant scratching.
Next,
a visual inspection may result in evidence of head lice "nits"
or eggs, a powdery substance looking very much like dandruff.
How
do you get head lice?
Most often,
kids ages 3 - 11 are the main target of head lice infestations
that spread among younger populations in day care centers
or schools, on playgrounds, or anywhere that kids are in close
contact.
Head-to-head
contact is the most common way that head lice move about.
Sharing scarves and hats or hair clips and headphones can
also serve to spread head lice.
Head lice
are extremely contagious among families, so teens and adults
may also suffer from head lice infestations brought home by
younger members of the household.
How
do you get rid of head lice?
Usually,
you can get rid of lice by using over-the-counter shampoos
with mild insecticide ingredients specifically formulated
to kill head lice. A fine tooth comb is included for combing
out any surviving lice or nits. However, if nonprescription
formulations don't do the trick, your doctor can prescribe
a stronger, prescription shampoo.
Newer,
natural formulations are always coming on the market for those
who prefer not to use insecticides, although their treatment
effectiveness have yet to be proven in studies.
Anecdotal
evidence over the years also points to the effectiveness of
coating the child's head with mayonnaise, olive oil or vaseline,
and covering it with cling wrap overnight as an effective
home remedy to smother head lice and their eggs.
Along
with treatment, also highly recommended is a thorough washing
of sheets, pillow cases and clothing, stuffed animals, car
seats or anything else that that might have come in
contact with the infested person's head to prevent re-infestation.
More
about head lice symptoms & treatment around the Web:
Head
Lice.org- Major clearinghouse of information including
a helpful FAQ, photos, current news and product warnings and
adverse reactions, educational resources and kids' activities.
Head
Lice - Comprehensive fact sheet from UC Davis with
facts on what to look for, treatment options, and a step-by-step
hair combing tutorial with related references. Also available
as a printable PDF file.
Head
Lice Pictures - Check out this photo gallery with information
on how to identify head lice infestation with related facts
and resources.
Head
Lice Home Remedies - Archived message board posts
from moms with advice on head lice cures and remedies from
the kitchen or household medicine cabinet, including tips
on usage and related warnings.