Parents are often misinformed when it comes to head lice.
Thankfully, the internet has lots of advice and articles that will help clear up misconceptions and will help you when you're treating head lice.
Before you can start treatment, however, you first need to understand the lifestyle and lifecycle of this parasite.
The Truth about The Louse •It is a parasitic insect that needs the heat and blood of the human scalp to survive •These insects do not transmit diseases or infections through their feeding habits •These insects do not jump or fly from host to host; they actually lack the physical ability to do so.
Instead they transmit to different hosts via direct or indirect contact.
•Direct contact may occur when children play and rub heads.
•Indirect contact may occur when children share head wear, scarves and hair accessories.
The Louse Life Cycle Understanding the lifecycle of the head louse can make a big difference when you have to treat an infestation.
•An adult head louse will lay several eggs (also known as nits) every day.
The insects will ensure the eggs are securely fixed to the hair strands of the host, usually close to the scalp.
•A nit will sit on the hair strand until it is ready to hatch.
The nit will hatch 7 - 14 days after being laid.
•The nit hatches, and a nymph is born.
A nymph is a baby head louse that is free to mature and roam the host head.
A nymph will take another 7 - 14 days to mature into an adult louse.
•The adult insect will have a lifespan of around 30 days, providing they stay in contact with a host.
•If separated from the host, the life span of the louse reduces to just 72 hours.
As you can see from the life cycle you also need to consider treatments that will eliminate the nits (nipping the life cycle in the bud) as well as the adult or developed insects.
You will also need to treat areas and bedding in your home, to ensure that leftover insects cannot cause another outbreak.
Treating Head Lice Effectively Start by treating the infestations on your family, and ensure that once you have treated your family that you immediately take appropriate measures in your home.
Infestations on Humans - Whether you decide to go with pesticide based treatments or alternative home remedies, make sure when treating an infestation that you are persistent with your efforts.
Even if you have more than one child, but only one child is showing signs of the parasites, it's better to treat the entire family.
Infestations at Home - You MUST treat your home, as well as your family's hair.
This will prevent another infestation from occurring in the near future.
Put all bedding that can be washed on a hot wash.
Tumble dry, dry clean or steam items that cannot be washed.
Put plush toys and teddies into an airtight container and keep sealed for two weeks.
Temperatures of 125 degrees Fahrenheit for ten minutes or more will kill any residing insects.