Head lice, which are also referred to as pediculosis, are tiny parasites. Their source of nourishment is human blood, and they commonly make themselves at home in human hair when they are close enough to crawl into it. You can get head lice if you come into close contact with someone or something that is infested with these parasites. Anyone can get them; they aren't a sign of poor hygiene. They can't live off the human body for more than a couple of days and pets cannot get them. People who think they may be at risk of getting head lice should learn more about this condition by reviewing some of the most frequently asked questions.
How Will I Know If I Have Head Lice?
You can consider the possibility of head lice if you find yourself scratching your scalp. The area around the ears and the area above and below the base of the skull will become itchy due to deposits of eggs produced by the louse. These "nits" are tiny, but visible as white or grayish ovals, glued to the hair shaft near the scalp.
Where Do You Usually Find Head Lice Infestations?
Head lice infestations in America usually occur in children in preschools, elementary schools and day cares. The transference of head lice commonly takes place at school or sports events and other gatherings where children are mostly present.
How Can I Avoid Head Lice Infestation?
Never use a hairbrush or comb owned by someone who may be infested with head lice, and never put on their clothing, especially apparel that has been in close contact with their hair. Other items to avoid include mattresses, couches, pillows and stuffed toys that a person you suspect has head lice came into contact with. If you think head lice have infested any washable items, clean them in water that is over 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Set your dryer on a hot setting to dry any cloth items you washed. You can put pillows and stuffed animals directly in a hot dryer for 30 minutes. You can also dry appropriate items by setting your iron on hot and pressing them. Lock unwashable cloth items in airtight double plastic bags for 14 days. Carpets infested with head lice need to be vacuumed very well daily over the course of several days. Use of pesticides on the carpet isn't recommended.
How Can I Treat Head Lice Infestation?
Talk to your doctor about the best way to get rid of head lice if you have a young child that is infested with the parasite. You may also contact the Department of Health for advice. Treat others infested with head lice with a medicated shampoo that can be purchased without a prescription and a special comb designed to remove lice. The shampoo should be used as directed, and the comb should be used every day until nits are no longer seen. Individuals other than young children can also try killing the lice by mixing 12 drops of Australian tea tree oil with ¼ of a cup of baby oil and applying it to the hair and scalp. The hair should then be covered with plastic wrap, and the tea tree oil mixture should be left in the hair for 8 hours and then washed out. The efficacy of this and other natural methods of suffocating head lice, by applying petroleum jelly, mayonnaise or olive oil, for example, is not supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Treatment FAQs
- Minnesota Department of Health: Healthy Facts Head Lice (Pediculosis)
- South Central Public Health District: Head Lice Information
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services: Pediculosis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Head Lice Epidemiology & Risk Factors
