Most parents move through their lives blissfully unconcerned about head lice until they receive a letter from their child's school nurse. Head lice infestation is as common as it is uncomfortable and embarrassing. In spite of its prevalence, there are a lot of myths about lice, how they are transmitted and how to treat an infestation.
Head lice is highly contagious, but contrary to popular belief, lice can't fly or jump from person to person. Lice spread primarily through head to head contact at school, slumber parties and day care centers. Lice can also be spread by using the same pillows and bed linens, combs and brushes, and hats and hair scrunchies.
A common belief is that lice infestation is caused by poor hygiene. This is not true. People can and do get lice no matter how well groomed they are. The only way to prevent lice infestation is to limit exposure to children who have recently been infested. Teaching your children to avoid sharing hats, combs and hair ribbons and to stay away from bedding used by children recently treated for lice is the best way to reduce the risk of infestation.
If, in spite of these precautions, your child becomes infested with lice, there are effective treatments. There are many over-the-counter shampoos and creams, like Rid and Nix, that work quickly. Many of these products contain chemicals and can cause chemical skin burns in sensitive individuals. If your child has sensitive skin or is under two, chemical based preparations shouldn't be used.
If you want to avoid harsh chemicals, there are gentler alternatives for delousing your child. LiceFree uses sodium chloride, also known as table salt, to kill lice. Home remedies of questionable effectiveness include shampooing hair with vinegar and coating hair with mayonnaise.
The most effective chemical-free method of lice and nit removal is manual combing with a nit comb. The National Pediculosis Association recommends the LiceMeister Comb. Nit combs are specially designed with very fine steel teeth to grasp nits and lice and remove them from the hair shaft. Careful combing with a nit comb can remove all nits, but it requires a great deal of patience.
Once you have treated your child for lice, all combs in the house should be boiled or run through the dishwasher. A thorough vacuuming will help remove any nits from carpeting or furniture. Stuffed animals, pillows and sheets can be put in the dryer for half an hour. Because lice need human blood to survive, experts no longer recommend getting rid of bedding or securing stuffed animals in airtight bags.
Lice infestation can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions, and any infestation can be easily treated at home. While embarrassing and unpleasant, head lice is not the end of the world for you and your child.
