Treating Head Lice
There are several misconceptions associated with head lice. From the nature of the beast to effective head lice treatments, there are a lot of urban myths that many parents believe. That is, of course, until head lice invade your home. Once you have to effectively combat the problem, that’s when you start to find out the truth about treating head lice infestations correctly.
There are many myths that surround head lice, and how they impact people. Head lice do not transmit infectious or contagious diseases. Lice do not jump from person to person, and they do not fly because they lack wings. Instead they crawl, and transmit to other people via direct or indirect contact (i.e. contact through hugging or sharing a hat). Clothes, hair accessories, hats, brushes, bedding and towels can all carry lice and nits, which another person can then pick up and carry in their hair. It’s important when treating head lice that you treat the hair that is infested, as well as any items the hair may have come into contact with.
Another misconception is how long lice can live for when separated from the host. Head lice are utterly dependent on their host. They require warmth and nourishment regularly, and they only feed on human blood, which they draw from the scalp. The lifespan of a louse is usually 30 days, however, when separated from the host the figure can be dramatically reduced to just 24 hours. Another myth is that short hair makes an individual immune from head lice. Although lice will find it harder to live in shorter hair, it is possible to have a head lice infestation. There is no particular race, culture, sex or age group that head lice target (although children between 3 – 12 years of age do seem more prone to the parasites). Treating head lice is that much easier when you deal with facts as opposed to myths.
Knowing that you need to treat the root problem, as well as any potential situations of reoccurrence, can make treating head lice seem a difficult task. However there are some simple steps you can take, without spending lots of time or money, which will help prevent head lice from making a reappearance in your home. Anything that can should be washed in hot water; especially the items mentioned earlier. Exposing lice to extreme heat is an effective way of treating head lice easily. Anything above 125 degrees Fahrenheit, for 10 minutes or more will be lethal to lice and nits (nits are the live eggs of head lice). Any items not safe for the washer machine can be tumble dried for a minimum of 20 minutes on hot settings, or dry cleaned for a similar effect. Place brushes and combs in a phenol solution, such as Lysol, and soak them for an hour. Thoroughly vacuum bedding, carpets and furniture, and the family vehicle. Do not use fumigation or insecticide treatments while treating head lice.
If you are treating head lice, you must always use sufficient caution and diligence. If you don’t, you will only find that the problem reoccurs, or worse, escalates; and you will be forced to retreat your home and family repeatedly. Being responsible from the onset can save a lot of hassle in the future, and can nip the problem in the bud, before it has chance to properly start.
