Head Lice Treatment And Prevention

Main Category: Dermatology
Also Included In: Preventive Medicine
Article Date: 06 Jun 2007 - 1:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

Once children reach a certain age, they are bound to feel embarrassed if they have a head lice infestation. If you are concerned the scalp may be infected (if sores or pus are visible) consult your doctor. Explain to your child about head lice prevention and treatment and that anyone can get them. They need to understand that they have not done anything wrong and that having lice does not make them dirty. You can work together as a team to treat the infestation and follow the preventative tips so that your child will remain, or soon be on his way to being, lice free:

- Watch for signs of head lice - for example frequent head scratching.
- Check family members on a weekly basis but only treat those infested.
- Work under a good light from a lamp or by sitting by a window or even going outdoors.
- Be careful not to confuse head lice with dandruff.
- Be careful not to use an over-the-counter product on children under 2 or on those who are pregnant, nursing or who have allergies, asthma, epilepsy or other medical conditions.
- Be careful about using any-over-the-counter product anyway because they are pesticides and can be potentially harmful.

If you do use such a product, follow directions carefully and use the product over the sink only. Before applying any treatment, remove all clothing from the waist up.

Manual removal or a natural healing products made from essential oils are safe alternatives for head lice. If using manual removal, separate the hair in sections and check from the scalp to the end of the hair. Remove all attached lice with a special comb, baby safety scissors or the fingernails and wash them down the sink. An infested person should be checked on a daily basis until you are confident that the infestation is over. Put clean clothing on to a child after treatment. If a few live lice are still found 8-12 hours after treatment but are moving more slowly than before, then comb any dead and remaining live lice out of the hair.

Wash any bedding, recently worn clothing and any other contaminated items in hot water and dry in a hot dryer. Combs and brushes and other personal items may be soaked in hot water and soap (130 degrees F) or in rubbing alcohol or Lysol for 10 minutes. Dry clean clothing that is not washable (coats, hats etc). Store all clothing, stuffed animals, comforters etc. that cannot be washed or dry cleaned into a plastic bag and seal for 2 weeks.

Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, rugs, stuffed animals and car seats to remove any fallen lice or hairs with nits attached. It is not recommended that household sprays be used to kill adult lice nor is it necessary to have a pest control company spray your home. Notify those with whom your child may be in contact so that they can be aware of the infestation and take the necessary precautions.

Looking on the bright side, head lice provide an early opportunity to teach children responsible personal health behaviors. Amoils offers all natural treatments for common conditions and ailments using essential oils. Visit our Head Lice page for more information.

http://www.amoils.com

• Additional
• References
• Citations