Head Lice Treatment
Home remedies for head lice generally include the smothering of the entire head in a product intended to smother the existing lice. A nit comb is generally used following this procedure to attempt to ensure the head is clear of lice. While some swear by this remedy a more scientific approach is observed by others. In this scenario a chemical product is applied to the scalp to eradicate existing lice while a nit comb is used to remove as many nits as possible.
The ongoing challenge is that chemical pesticides for use in lice removal are becoming increasingly ineffective as lice adapt to the effects of these pesticides. It may be advisable to visit with a health care professional about the latest techniques for lice removal. They may suggest a medical treatment of Ivermetim or Bactrim.
The simple answer may be to shave the head of the infected person, however, this may be an effective answer only if the child is male in gender. A social stigma may be attached to a female having her head shaved.
Do not use any method of eradication that includes dousing the hair in a flammable product. While this is something that has been suggested from time to time it has not proven effective and has caused burn injuries to children who were subjected to this treatment.
Home Remedies
Head lice infestations must be treated aggressively with the combined efforts of every member within the household. If one member of the household is infested, then the entire household should be checked for pediculosis as well.
Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, all personal items in the house will need to be washed thoroughly and precautions must be taken to prevent the transmission of pediculosis. Wash all clothing and bed linens in the washing machine on high heat with detergent. Dry the washed clothing and bed linen on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
Take any clothing that cannot be washed to the dry cleaners, or seal it in an airtight bag for 10-14 days to kill all lice and nits. Soak all hair accessories such as brushes or combs, in Lysol or rubbing alcohol overnight. Make sure you vacuum the carpets and sanitize the entire house thoroughly before and after treatment.
Treatment for head lice can be found at your local pharmacy in the form of an over-the-counter head lice shampoo. In sever cases, prescription medications may be prescribed in the event of a resilient infestation. Before treating the infested person, all clothing should be removed and a hair cape should be applied. Read the instructions on the medication label and follow them carefully.
It is important that NO CONDITIONER is used prior to the pediculicide wash, as this may interfere with the efficacy of the wash. Rinse the hair as directed on the label, and do not wash the hair again for 1-2 days after the pediculicide treatment application. Washing hair to soon after using the pediculicide treatment will decrease it’s effectiveness. Make sure the infested person dresses themselves in clean clothing after the wash.
A thorough re-inspection is conducted approximately eight to twelve hours after the treatment application. In the event that head lice are still found moving on the scalp at this time, their movement should be checked to see if it is labored. If the lice appear to be moving lethargically, retreating is not necessary as the lice are still in the process of dying.
The time it takes to kill the lice will differ depending upon the medicine and the infestation. All dead lice are removed from the hair using the nit comb that usually is included with the pediculicide treatment. If there are no dead lice and the lice seem to moving about quickly, then a medical professional will needed to be consulted for prescription strength treatment. Thorough re-inspections are conducted every day for three days after the initial treatment, and the hair is re-combed with the nit comb during each re-inspection.
After 7-10 days the infested individual is re-treated to prevent the infestation from returning. To be sure the infestation is gone infested individuals are usually inspected every three days for up to three weeks after treatment.
Prevention
Fall is usually the time when awareness of lice is addressed in school systems. The reason this is true is that by winter the infestations are more widely seen. Regular weekly inspections are generally encouraged. Children should be encouraged to only use their own comb or brush and refrain from using coats, hats and scarves owned by others. Because children are affectionate and less inhibited than adults they are more likely to be in close contact with friends and school mates who may be infected with lice.
After the Fact
Once the lice infestation is eradicated from your home, regular checks should continue for any subsequent re-infestation. Be sure to wash bedding and clothing in hot water (Above 120 degrees Fahrenheit) and it may be best to purchase a new comb and/or brush for your child to use (make sure to discard the old ones).
Summary
Head lice, body lice, pubic lice and nits are not life threatening conditions, but they are an irritant and can readily spread to others. Steps can be taken to reduce the possibility of infection, but it may not be possible to completely eliminate the condition. Vigilance in detection may be the best first line of defense in managing the spread of lice in its various manifestations.