Head lice have been around as long as there have been human beings. Lice are a parasite that live off their human host. They can lay their eggs, called nits, anywhere on the body that there is hair, although head hair is the most common place, and must be combed out of the hair using a special head lice comb. A shampoo lice treatment is also beneficial to kill the mature head lice.

The first thing someone should do if they have lice is to take away the outside sources of lice. Pillow cases, sheets, combs and other items that touch the affected area should be removed. Anything that can be washed should be. Other items should be put in an air-tight container for a minimum of 2 weeks. Next, the actual head must be treated.

The easiest way to tackle treating head lice is simple, just shave off the hair, not just a short trim, but an actual complete shave. If the problem is on the head than this may not be the most desirable alternative, since shaving the head can be less then desirable there are other alternatives to this tactic.

Concern over harmful side effects leads Naturalists to avoid pesticide treatments in favor of more natural, less radical approaches to lice treatment. However, natural solutions are normally less effective. For example, using a lice comb can help remove the nits, but rarely solves the problem without further treatment. Because governmental regulation of natural products for medical uses is generally not required, sometimes the natural solution is also the less safe option.

The doctor preferred treatment would be the application of a chemical solution of 1% permethrin or pyrethrin. These pesticides kill lice by impairing their ability to breathe. The solution is applied for approximately two weeks. It is important to supplement the treatment with daily removal of any eggs with a lice comb. A doctor should be consulted before you begin treatment with any pesticide. The pesticides should be applied on in the scalp area only to dry hair.

Less traditional options are also available. Some contend that combing standard conditioner through the infested hair and leaving it in place for four or more hours can be effective since it lessens the ability of the lice to cling to the hair and makes their nits easier to see. Electric combs designed to treat lice are also commercially available. People with high risk of exposure to lice may wish to keep their hair cut fairly short, since some believe that lice are attracted to long hair. These methods of treating head lice are relatively new and have not been subjected to rigorous scientific testing to determine their effectiveness.

Seeking the advice of a doctor is recommended due to the numerous treatments available. Having a doctor can best judge the treatment required, or give suggestions as to what he or she believes is healthy.

Treating head lice is a daunting prospect for most people, but is not as hard as it sounds. Effective lice treatment involves special shampoo, combing the hair with a special comb to remove the lice eggs, or nits as they are called, washing clothes and bedding, and sealing unwashable items in a plastic bag for a couple of weeks. Treatments can be recommended by physicians or pharmacists, and are available at any drug store. Treatment must be careful and thorough, but is more time consuming than difficult. Most school children will experience head lice at some point, and the stigma once associated with the condition has been proved baseless.

- norman horowitz

Related posts:

  1. Head Lice Treatment For A Lice-free Head
  2. Nits Can Help You Spot A Head Lice Infestation
  3. Nits: Home Treatments That Work
  4. Head Lice Treatment – Get Rid Of Those Nits
  5. Nits – How To Treat Head Lice