How To Get Rid Of Lice
Head Lice are very small, grey-brown, wingless insects that live on our scalp and close to the hair. They sustain themselves by sucking blood from the scalp. Their eggs are called nits, which look like tiny white specks; these are mostly found stuck to the base of our hair, near the scalp. Nits hatch after 7 to 10 days, and after 10 to 14 days, the lice are mature enough to start reproducing again. Thus, if left untreated, head lice can grow at an alarmingly fast rate. Infestation often causes itching of the scalp; often, red spots or small bumps can also be found on the scalp.
Once infestation is confirmed it can be treated at home using a wet comb and conditioner method or medicated lotions. Wet combing is a method used to remove lice without any chemicals. This method can be particularly useful since hair lice can get resistant to the use of chemicals. The procedure for wet combing begins with a simple hair wash but make sure you apply lots of conditioner. This will keep your smooth, tangle-free and it will be easier for the comb to run through. Moreover, the lice and nits will glide off the hair strand easily too. With a fine tooth comb, comb from the roots till the entire length of the hair. After each stroke, check the comb for any lice and nits and repeat this procedure for at least 15 minutes. Rinse your hair very well after this is done. You should repeat this procedure every 3 days for a number of weeks until you are certain there are no more lice or nits.
If you think the infestation is very high, chemical treatments are available as well. You might need to keep switching brands to ensure the treatment remains effective. Medicated lice and nits lotions are available over-the-counter at most pharmacies. Apply the preparation according to the instructions. You should comb your hair afterwards with a nit comb. Nit combs usually come along with the medicated lotion pack; else they can also be purchased at a pharmacy. You should take care while applying the lotion because the preparations are usually toxic. Care should be taken to keep not to swallow this mixture and to keep it away from your eyes. Usually, you should use the lotion once every 7 days.
More than treatment, the prevention of head lice and nits is important. You should wash your linen and clothing regularly to avoid further infestation. Check your entire whole family for lice and nits, as they are transferred easily between people.
