Headlice - The Symptoms And Treatments

Headlice (scientific name Pediculus humanus capitis), are tiny, wingless parasites that thrive on the scalp of humans, most commonly at the back of the neck at the base of the skull, and behind the ears. The eggs are called nits and are the easiest way to identify a lice infestation. The nits appear to be white bits of dandruff, but upon further inspection, one can see the oval shape of the eggs and they are difficult to detach from the individual hair.

The nits will hatch in about a week and the baby lice are called nymphs. They look just like the adults only they are smaller. The nymphs become adult lice after about seven days. The adult louse has a lifespan of approximately thirty days and they feed on blood. A louse will have six legs and each leg will have a claw at the end that is hook shaped. They use these claws to attach themselves to the shaft of the hair. It can be very hard to treat a case of headlice because the louse and nits will attach themselves so firmly to the hair and it can be hard to remove them.

Symptoms of an infestation of headlice include intense itching, especially at the base of the skull, a tickling, or crawling sensation at the scalp; and red, sore spots on the scalp caused by scratching. It's possible to see adult lice, but they are very quick and apt at avoiding detection. The diagnosis can usually be made from observation of the aforementioned symptoms and the appearance of the nits.

It is important to note that an infestation of headlice is not indicative of bad hygiene. Regular soaps, shampoos, and laundry detergents alone are not enough to avoid these little parasites. They are very hard to kill and it is difficult to detach the nits from the individual hairs. Special combs and medicated lice killing shampoo can be used; or prescription medication can be obtained from a doctor in order treat an infestation.

Over the counter lice treatment shampoos containing pesticides pyrethrins or permethrin are available, sometimes together with the special "nit-picking" comb that is needed to detach nits from the hair. Alternatively, a prescription medication such as malathion or lindane is available. Not only the diagnosed person should undergo treatment, but also all the other members of the household who are infected. Washing the bedding and clothing worn by the infected person is needed, and after treatment the comb should be used to pick dead lice and nits from the hair.

There are several home remedies for head lice available, including soaking the hair in alcohol-based mouth wash or white vinegar, working mayonnaise throughout the hair and allowing it cover the entire head, smothering the lice and suffocating the nits or, most conveniently, using shampoos with tea tree oil.