Headlice - A Big Problem!

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A common problem among children is head lice, particularly when they are in close contact such as daycare centers and elementary schools. Lice can live in numerous places on the head including the scalp, facial hair and eyebrows. Lice can also travel to places other than the head and become pubic lice or body lice.

Head lice cannot fly because they do not have wings and they are unable to jump. Crawling in the only way they can move. A female louse can lay 50 to 100 nits or eggs in a lifetime. The louse uses a sticky substance to attach the nits to hairs, which makes them very difficult to remove. After the nit is left it takes about ten days for it to reach full maturity.

Once a child's headlice problem is noticed, usually by a teacher or school nurse, the first thing that comes to the mind of most parents is how to get rid of head lice. Any local pharmacy can provide several lice shampoo products. The pharmacist can help you with other products such as lice combs, besides shampoo products. There are also herbal treatments available such as tea tree oil or coconut oil, which some would like to try out.

The living spaces that children live in should also be treated for lice. These locations include their bedroom, living room and play areas. Vacuuming daily is recommended to remove loose lice and nits. Soft items such as clothing, stuffed animals, and bedding should be washed in hot water and dried on the hottest setting.

It isn't possible to completely prevent all lice infestations. However, some simple hygienic tips will greatly reduce the probablilty of your child getting headlice. Make sure you child does not share hats, hoods, or other headwear with other children, and wipe off headphones and other items worn over the head or ears. Check your child for signs such as white spots that don't come off when combed or frequent head scratching.

Once you are sure that your child has head lice, notify the school nurse and your child's teachers immediately. This way, you may be able to stop the infested child from spreading lice to other children; your child will probably need to stay out of school until it is clear that your child no longer has any lice or nits in his or her hair. Call your school for exact requirements.

About the Author:
Head lice is a common problem for todays kids, especially once they are in daycare or school. Lice do not fly, but are passed from child to child when in close contact. Many parents struggle to learn how to get rid of head lice. One option is to use a lice shampoo.



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