Head Lice Facts

In treating head lice the goal is to cure the person infested while protecting the family and the rest of the household from these annoying vermin.

Head lice can be terribly irritating. They are parasitic insects feeding on blood by biting the skin. Intense itching is the result! These parasitic creatures have favorite feeding spots, especially behind the ears and near the nape of the neck. The itching is a result of the body’s allergic reaction to the bites from head lice.

Head lice usually are transferred from one human being to another. So, you should avoid using other peoples hair brushes, wearing someone else's hat, drying with already used towels and anything other intimate items that have the possibility of carrying head lice from person to person. That said, a lice infestation can occur in spite of pristine personal hygiene. Contrary to popular belief, poor personal hygiene is not necessesarily the reason for head lice. Headlice do not prefer clean hair; they do not prefer dirty hair; they just like hair.

From the time the head louse egg is laid until the adult’s life ends, the life cycle of this little pest is about 6 weeks. They can live on the head three to four weeks. The term "nits" refers to the empty or dead eggs left in a person's hair, not the actual incubating eggs or head lice themselves.

Naturally, the best cure is prevention. So often this is difficult when school age children come in contact with infestations in school environments. Among other things, washing sheets and clothing in hot water during the school year is a good precaution. Head lice do not survive in bedding and clothing for more than 24 hours.

Head lice are more of a nuisance than a significant health issue. They are not known to transmit diseases, and after treatment usually disappear in about two weeks. There are many shampoos and louse treatments available on the market. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise which option is the best for your family. There are fine tooth combs available for removing lice and the nits (eggs) in the hair; this works alone or coupled with a shampoo.

Unfortunately head lice are becoming immune to chemical treatment and many parents opt for a home remedy regardless. One effective approach is to use olive oil, leaving it on overnight after combing. This also leaves the hair is wonderful condition. Nothing, however, can beat repeated combing with a very fine tooth comb such as a dog's flea comb for ongoing combat with this nuisance.

What ever the remedy, avoid becoming complacent once you get rid of head lice. It's wise to keep checking to make sure they have not returned.