How to Treat Lice
Head lice infestation are very common among school children. Head lice can easily be transferred from one person to another through direct contact with an infected individual. Here are some tips you can follow to treat head lice.
Causes:
Direct contact with an infected person. Sharing combs, brushes, headbands and ribbons with a person infected with lice will put you at risk of getting it too.
Using infested combs and hair accessories.
Symptoms:
Itchiness caused by your body’s reaction on the bites.
Sores because of frequent scratching.
If the infestation is not treated immediately, the sores might become infected.
Treatments
You can see nits, nymphs and adult lice when you part your hair. Head lice are commonly seen on the scalp, back of the ears and nape.
Over the counter medicines may be used to treat head lice infestation but should be done very carefully.
Some OTC Medicines You can Buy
Pyrethrins come from chrysanthemum flowers. These medicines can kill nymphs and adult lice but can’t get rid of nits or unhatched eggs.
Permethrins are able to kill newly nits and nymphs even a few days after the initial treatment.
Prescribed Medications:
Lindane or Kwell is one of the most commonly used head lice shampoo.
Malathion or Ovide is a first- line medication for head lice infestation.
Medication Guidelines:
Use the medications as directed. Overuse and Misuse of these medications may result to harmful and serious problems.
Never combine different head lice treatment.
Though you may be required to have second treatment of the same medication, it’s better to consult a health care provider when initial treatment of a medicine doesn’t kill the head lice.
Steps:
Remove clothing
Apply medicine as directed.
Wear fresh, clean clothes after applying the medicine.
After about 8 hours, check the head. If lice are crawling slowly, you might need to wait a few more hours before they die.
Remove dead lice and nits by combing hair using Nit combs.
Home Care
To make head lice treatment more effective, make sure to also treat your home.
After treating the infected person, machine wash all linens and bedding.
Use hot water for washing and dry your clothes for about 20 minutes.
Bring clothes and other items that you can’t wash to the dry cleaners.
Soak your comb, brushes and other hair accessories in alcohol or hot water for a few minutes.
You may also want to vacuum your furniture and floor.
Head lice infestation are very common. When you get infected by head lice, getting treated immediately is important to avoid making the condition worse.