1. Spot Critter Eggs
To confirm a case of head lice, examine the scalp. Look near the hair roots for eggs, also called nits. These are white, yellow or brown specks that look a lot like dandruff. They hatch into lice in about 10 days. These wingless creepy crawlers are light brown to gray and have six legs. They are so small and fast that they usually escape detection. About every 5 hours lice nibble on the scalp to drink trace amounts of blood for survival. These critters can live about 2 days without their victuals.
2. Evict the Varmints
Pharmacists and doctors refer to lice medicines as pediculicides. These are sold mainly as medicated shampoos. You can obtain them from drugstores with or without a prescription. The active ingredient in the nonprescription variety comes from chrysanthemums. These products are safe but sometimes ineffective. Prescription products are highly effective but can be toxic if you use them incorrectly or accidentally swallow them. Follow product labeling regarding how long to lather, whether to rinse and when to repeat. Simultaneous use of cream rinses and regular shampoos will render pediculicides ineffective. Most products come with a nit hair comb for use after treatment. Use the comb every other day for 2 weeks until you no longer see nits or lice. Pediculicides can be toxic in children age 2 years or less. You'll have to use a nit comb and your fingers to send their pesky pests packing. All infected household members must be treated. You can spare Fido and Fluffy the extra bath, though, as dogs and cats do not carry lice.
3. Spring Clean Early
After you rid your head of lice, take steps to prevent another infestation. Wash all bed linens, towels and clothing of infected household members. Use the hottest temperature settings on your washer and dryer. Place toys and clothing that cannot be washed or dry cleaned in a sealed plastic bag for about 14 days. Vacuum your carpets, furniture and car interior and then discard the vacuum cleaner bag. Soak your brushes and combs in rubbing alcohol for an hour. Throw away any hair adornments that cannot be cleaned.
4. Tell Your Secret
Head lice infestation typically occurs in places where children and teenagers congregate, such as schools, camps, parties and play areas. Lice are highly contagious and spread when heads come into physical contact or clothing, toys and hats are shared. The lice are then brought home and continue to spread. When detected, it's important to inform the school, playmates and any other possible sources of exposure so that proper treatment can be pursued and warnings issued. Resist feeling embarrassed. Head lice are not an indication of a dirty household or poor personal hygiene.
5. Lay Down the Law
To avoid head lice infestation, follow some basic rules for interactions outside the home. Don't share hair combs, brushes or hair adornments with others. Likewise, don't share head coverings like hats, scarves and helmets.
