Head lice and nits are very common in children between the ages of 3 and 11, says the National Institutes for Health. These wingless parasites linger close to the scalp, laying tiny eggs (nits) roughly the size of a sesame seed on the hair shaft, where they bind tightly until removed. Head lice aren’t a sign of poor hygiene, says the NIH; more problematic is that they spread from one person to another easily, generally through head-to-head contact. Effective solutions for head lice and nits include appropriate treatment and follow-up, as well as daily examinations of a treated person’s head to make sure that lice are gone for good.
Treat
Use nonprescription lice medicine (pediculicide) to tread head lice, advises the Centers for Disease Control. Follow the directions on the product exactly. If the person being treated has long hair, you may need a second bottle. Each brand of lice medicine has its own specific instructions as to how long the product should remain on the head before it is rinsed out. The Mayo Clinic states that commonly used medicines for head lice include pyrethrin or permethrin.
If lice are resistant to over-the-counter treatments, a doctor may recommend use of a prescription topical—and treatment failure does seem to be an issue for many. A March 2010 American Academy of Dermatology report indicates that lice are becoming more and more resistant to over-the-counter treatments. Emerging therapies include use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and topical treatments that suffocate lice, says the AAD.
Wet Comb
Wet combing is a first-line treatment for children under 2, but it can also be used to mechanically remove lice and nits if use of pediculicides is undesirable. Using a fine-toothed comb manufactured for this purpose or a flea comb (for pets), comb the lice and nits from the hair shaft every three to four days for a minimum of two weeks, advises the Mayo Clinic. The CDC points out that wet combing is often a secondary process that is employed after using a topical nonprescription lice treatment.
Clean
Head lice cannot live without a blood host, says the CDC, and die after a couple of days when away from the human head. However, important to preventing re-infection is cleaning personal items and the home. Machine launder washable personal items (clothing, bedding and towels, for example) in hot, soapy water that’s at least 130 degrees F. Dry on high heat. Soak brushes and combs in hot water for up to 10 minutes. Items that cannot be washed may be stored in airtight plastic bags or containers for two weeks or dry-cleaned. Vacuum carpeted flooring, rugs and furniture, paying special attention to areas of the home where the lice-infested person slept or sat, advises the CDC. There’s no need to use foggers or sprays to kill stray lice.
Follow-Up
Continue to check the head of the lice-infested person for two to three weeks after treatment, advises the CDC. A second treatment is advised nine or 10 days after the first to make sure that all surviving head lice are exterminated, says the CDC. This generally applies regardless if a nonprescription or prescription pediculicide was used.
Prevent
The most important solution for head lice and nits is educating children and other family members—including yourself—about how to prevent them. Close, head-to-head contact should be avoided, especially during the course of your child’s social and play activities (such as contact sports and sleepovers). Don’t share personal items such as brushes, combs, barrettes, scarves and caps. Don’t lie on surfaces that have been exposed to someone infested with head lice or nits, such as carpeting, beds and couches, advises the CDC.
