Lice are tiny parasites that attach themselves to human beings, head lice often called nits like to live on heads,
they are extremely common in children, often first noticed due to the presence of eggs in the child’s hair.
Head lice are spread from person to person by close contact, despite close attention to hygiene, the adult then lays egg
in the next person’s hair which usually takes about a week to hatch, and the cycle begins again.
Symptoms
The first sign of head lice is usually itching and scratching of the head, especially the nape of the neck and behind the
ears. If you look closely at your child’s hair, you will see many small, white, oval-shaped eggs firmly attached to
the root of the hair shaft, close to the scalp. The further away from the scalp, the longer the nit has been there (hair grows
at the rate of 0.3 mm a day). The adult insects themselves move very quickly and are difficult to see unless you part the
hair very quickly and you see one jump. There is no need to chase them, the fact that there are eggs are good enough evidence
of their presence.
Treatment
There are many different types of Anti-lice shampoos that are available from the chemist without a prescription, they are
simple to use and effective. If you do choose to use them then do so strictly according to instructions.
For a more natural treatment our mums suggest the use of hair conditioner. Apply a very generous amount of conditioner
to dampened hair, and rub into the scalp and along the hair shafts. Leave on for at least 15 minutes. You may place a shower
cap over your child’s head while you are waiting. The action of the conditioner is to suffocate the lice, which then
release their claws from the hair shaft or scalp. A fine-toothed lice comb can then be used to comb out the conditioner. Use
a tissue or tap water in the sink to rinse the comb between strokes. You will often see lice bodies that you have combed out.
It is said that this treatment needs to be repeated every 2-3 days for two weeks, but it is very effective. Remember that
there is no need to shave or cut your child’s hair, lice have no preference as to length.
Lice are highly contagious, and can spread rapidly between families and between children in the same class. If you find
lice in you child’s head check the whole family, and even if you do not see any eggs or lice, it may well be worthwhile
to treat all other family members just in case. It is important to let the child’s crèche, nursery or school or
any one who looks after your child know that your child has lice.
Clean and vacuum your child’s room, as well as any areas in which they have been playing. Soak all brushes and combs
in anti-lice shampoo for several hours to disinfect them. Wash all bedding, blankets and clothes in hot water. Any item that
can't be washed should be sealed in plastic bags for two to three weeks in order to kill the eggs. If your child is itching
excessively and it interrupts their sleep or if sores develop on the scalp, and weep or spread then you need to see a doctor.
