What are Head Lice?
Head lice are tiny wingless insects that live and breed in human hair. They feed on tiny amounts of blood drawn from the scalp. Head lice infections are common, especially in school-aged children. While lice don't transmit disease, they spread easily through close personal contact and can lead to itchiness and discomfort of the scalp.
Signs and Symptoms of Head Lice
Signs and symptoms of head lice include:
- Itching of the scalp, neck, and ears
- Tickling sensation feeling like something is moving in the hair
- Irritability and difficulty sleeping head lice are more active at night
- Sores on the head caused by scratching
- Finding lice eggs (nits), tiny whitish or yellowish specks, glued to hair shafts
- Seeing live lice, which are small wingless insects ranging from tan to greyish-white in color
Who is Most At Risk for Head Lice?
Head lice outbreaks are very common, especially among:
- Preschool children ages 3-6 years old
- Elementary school-aged children
- Girls more frequently than boys
- Close contacts family members, friends
Sharing personal items like clothes, brushes, towels, sports helmets increases risk of transmission.
Treatment to Get Rid of Head Lice
While lice can be frustrating and difficult to deal with, the good news is there are effective treatment options available both over-the-counter and by prescription to kill head lice:
Over-the-Counter Medicated Shampoos
Products like Nix and Rid contain active ingredients that kill lice, usually pyrethrins or permethrin. Follow instructions carefully.
Prescription Medications
Prescription topical treatments like Ulesfia (benzyl alcohol) can eliminate lice. Oral meds are sometimes used for difficult infestations.
Wet Combing
Wet combing every few days using a lice comb helps remove live lice. Useful for checking effectiveness of treatments.
Suffocation-Based Products
Non-toxic lotions or gels like Cetaphil or commercial products coat lice to block air holes and suffocate them.
Natural Oils and Extracts
Some essential oils like tea tree, neem oil, clove, and ylang ylang have shown promising results in small studies but require more research.
Heat Treatment
Heating tools to dry out lice at temperatures over 130F shows effectiveness. Helpful for resistant cases.
Manual Removal
Meticulously removing lice and nits using a fine-toothed lice comb helps eliminate current and lingering infestations.
Tips for Using Lice Shampoo
Using a medicated over-the-counter or prescription lice shampoo is one of the most common and effective ways to kill head lice. Here are some tips for proper use:
Apply Thoroughly on Dry Hair
Apply the recommended amount all over the scalp and hair down to the ends. Don't dilute with water first.
Let Sit for Recommended Time
Usually lice shampoos require 10+ minutes before rinsing out to allow ingredients to penetrate and act.
Rinse Hair Well
Use warm water to thoroughly rinse all residue from hair and scalp.
Repeat as Needed
A second treatment is often required 7-10 days later to kill newly hatched eggs remaining from first application.
Use Other Methods Too
Combine medicated shampoo with thorough wet combing, hot water washing, and environmental cleaning for best success.
Other Shampoo Tips to Repel Lice
Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol that exhibits pediculicidal and ovicidal activity against lice. Look for 5% concentration or more in shampoos.
Coconut Oil Shampoo
Coconut oil possibly dissolves the waxy exoskeleton of lice, helping destroy them. It also lubricates combing. Look for at least a 10% concentration.
Rosemary Shampoo
Rosemary oil shampoos may have insecticidal effects against lice. However, research is still limited on effectiveness.
Everyday Shampooing
Frequently shampooing with regular shampoo can help wash away live lice before they lay many eggs and disrupt their lifespan.
Expert Tips to Keep Lice Away
While shampoos are great for killing head lice, there are also many helpful tips to repel, avoid catching, or prevent infestations:
Avoid Direct Hair-to-Hair Contact
Don't share hairbrushes, hats, helmets etc. Avoid head-to-head contact with anyone with lice.
Check Regularly for Lice
Monitor yourself and family members routinely for signs of live lice or eggs by combing through hair.
Tie Hair Up Tight
Keep long hair pulled back tightly in buns, braids or hair ties to minimize exposure.
Use Repellant Sprays
Try using tea tree, lavender, neem oil, or apple cider vinegar spritzes to create an unfavorable scalp environment.
Soak Combs and Tools
After treating an existing case, thoroughly wash or soak combs, brushes, hair ties and other tools in hot water.
Wash Linens, Clothes
Machine wash and dry bedding, clothing, towels, and fabrics at high heat after exposure or to prevent potential spread.
Vacuum Thoroughly
Vacuuming carpets, furniture, mattresses, and vehicles can pick up stray lice or fallen hair with nits.
Be Patient!
Following lice treatment it takes about 2 weeks for all newly hatched eggs to grown in order to be killed, so persistence pays off.
FAQs
How long should I leave lice shampoo in the hair?
Most over-the-counter medicated lice shampoos containing permethrin or similar ingredients require leaving on the hair and scalp for 10 minutes or more before rinsing out for full effectiveness.
Does regular shampoo help prevent lice?
Frequently shampooing with regular shampoo can help wash away live lice and disrupt their lifecycle. However, medicated lice products are still needed to fully eliminate an existing infestation.
How often should lice shampoo be used?
Using lice shampoo once is often not enough. A second treatment about 7-10 days later helps kill newly hatched eggs from the first application. Follow product instructions.
What home remedy shampoos help repel lice?
Shampoos containing at least 5% tea tree oil, 10% coconut oil, apple cider vinegar or certain essential oils may help repel lice and disrupt infestations when used regularly.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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