Head Lice - Eradication And Elimination
The head louse is a wingless insect that lives on the human scalp and feeds exclusively on human blood. It has lived with us for thousands of years as a species, and most of us have experienced the frustration of having them as parasites at some point in our lives, most often when we were children, when we were most susceptible to being infected. Every year, between six and twelve million Americans deal with having head lice or body lice.
It is pretty easy to diagnose head lice. Those infected may have lice bites or even shiny white eggs in their hair. However, the easiest method to detect head lice to is thoroughly comb the individual's hair using a lice comb, and then inspect the comb for the presence of lice.
Checking your children daily for head lice is the best prevention method for parents. Most schools in the United States will dismiss children from class immediately if head lice are discovered, and will not be allowed back until the problem is dealt with and all of the lice are removed and destroyed.
This can prevent children from passing them on, but sometimes lice are not discovered from a long time, and the child could have passed them on, so it's important to check your own child regularly, especially if they are between the ages of four and twelve.
To prevent nits, it can also be beneficial for your children to have short hair. If you know your child is infested with lice is important to wash all bed clothes and towels regularly and not to send your child to school; where he or she might contaminate others. The most obvious and immediate sign that your child has nits, is if your child is scratching their head or scalp constantly.
There are numerous different treatments available for a child infested with lice. There are natural products, silicone based lotions, and hot hair treatments that will put an end to the problem. But, no matter what treatment you choose, remember that none of the treatments are 100 percent effective. It is very important to follow up on the treatment to prevent a reinfestation.
Millions of people in U.S. struggle with infestations of head lice and body lice each year. An adult louse has no wings, so when it finds a head to live on, it stays there. Its only food is human blood. Most schools in the United States have a no nit policy that means that children with lice are dismissed from class until the problem is dealt with and all lice have been removed. This can stop kids from spreading lice, but occasionally they are not exposed for an extended period of time. Keeping your child's hair short is a useful way to prevent nits.
Published February 16th, 2008
Filed in Health
