By Asher Jaxon
The louse is a parasite that does not fly or jump but clings to the hair with its 3 pairs of legs. It feeds on blood by biting the scalp, which causes itching. It most often settles in the neck and ears. Its lifespan on the head is 2 months on average, but a maximum of 36 hours outside the hair. Contamination can be direct from head-to-head or indirect through clothing, armchairs, brushes, combs, hats…
Did You Know?
The female lays 10 eggs (nits) per day. The nits, stuck to the hair, turn into larvae in 7 days, which become adult lice in 15 days.
Lice Treatment
Two types of anti-lice treatment:
- Chemical insecticides that kill lice and nits by blocking nerve impulses
- Asphyxiants, which block the orifices of the lice
Remove Nits
Nits are more resistant; to eliminate them, you must:
- Apply an appropriate balm or shampoo
- Comb the hair using an ultra-fine comb
Treat The Environment
The environment must be treated at the same time:
- Spray an anti-lice spray on the sheets, towels, hats, and comforters, then lock them in a plastic bag if possible
- Wash them at 60° minimum the next day and iron them
PREVENT REINFESTATION
- Spray your head with a repellent spray every morning
- Or use natural methods: essential oils
Adopt The Right Reflexes!
Teach your child not to swap clothes. Tie up long hair. Cut his nails very short and brush them regularly. Above all, tell him not to scratch his head, as it could get infected
Proximity Promotes Contamination By Lice!
During an infestation, it is necessary to prevent the spread of lice to those around you, by treating in places like Lice Treatment denver for example all members of the family and by warning the school and the workplace. Lice become resistant to certain treatments; sometimes, the combination of several products may be necessary.
Causes Of Lice
There is no particular cause that can promote the appearance of pediculosis lice. Insects can “invade” any head regardless of origin, hair texture (curly, frizzy, straight), age, or lifestyle: head lice love everyone.
Who Is Affected By Lice?
Although anyone can get head lice which can treated by Lice Doctors for instance, young children in school (or daycare, day camps, etc.) are most affected because they tend to have closer contact when playing, to exchange their caps, scarves, etc. If you notice that your child has lice, it is necessary to carefully examine the heads of everyone under the same roof to get rid of them as soon as possible. Indeed, even if the child undergoes treatment, he could quickly catch it again if a family member has been affected.
Contagion
Contrary to some popular belief, lice do not jump from head to head. They cannot fly either, but on the other hand, they move quickly (23 cm per minute). They can survive up to two days outside their living environment (the head) on textiles such as sheets, ears, or hats. Nits can survive up to 6 days on objects and textiles.
The Main Symptoms
The most common symptom of pediculosis lice is itching. If you notice that your child often scratches his head, it is necessary to carry out an inspection as soon as possible, especially
- around the ears
- Close to the nape and neck
- Near the scalp
- Sometimes, it is also possible to observe (under good light) small red dots on the skull: these are lice bites
