Great Info Tips

While some people may think lice is something they need to call an exterminator for, that is wrong. Lice is a health issue. You need to consult your doctor or pharmacist to get the right treatment. Head lice often affects younger school age children. They can bring lice home and the family can be infected.

An adult louse is the size of a sesame seed, tan or grayish in color. Since it feeds on your blood, it can not only live on your head for a month, but leave bits of it’s saliva on your head, which causes the itching. A female can lay 6 to 20 eggs, called nits, per day. They are extremely tiny, oval in shape, yellow to white in color. Sometimes they are mistaken for dandruff or dry scalp. Nits will stay close to the scalp, attached firmly to hair shafts.

Head to head contact on the playground, at camp, or a sleepover can be the main reason your child got lice. Letting someone else wear their clothes, use their combs or brushes can also bring lice into your home. Teach your children not to share comb, brushes, or towels with any of their friends.

There are dozens of different medications that can be purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy. Just follow the directions carefully. Then wash clothing and linens in hot water and dry at high heat for at least 20 minutes. Wash the combs and brushes in rubbing alcohol for at least an hour then rinse with hot water. Any stuffed animals need to be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 2 weeks. Vacuum the floors and furniture. If, after two treatments, you are still seeing head lice, you will need to contact your pediatrician for advice.