Head lice

It is impossible to stop the spread of Head lice, however it is possible to stop a new infection from becoming established. Lice only spread by direct head contact. The average head lice infection will only be identified after 8-12 weeks of being infected. It is therefore important to follow the following guidelines.

Hair should be combed at least twice daily particularly last thing at night before going to bed, this damages the lice or louse. A louse with a broken leg can't lay an egg!
Parents should be advised to tooth comb their childrens' hair weekly using the Wet Combing Method.

Wet Combing Method
Wash hair in normal way with an ordinary shampoo. Using lots of conditioner and while the hair is very wet comb through the hair from the roots with a fine tooth comb, slot into the hair at the roots with every stroke, and do this over a paper towel or the bath, it is much easier to see and identify any lice that have been combed out. Clear the comb of lice between each stroke. Wet lice find it hard to escape and hair which is slippery from conditioner makes it hard for them to grip making removal easier. If any lice are found then repeat this routine every 3 to 4 days for 2 weeks so that any lice emerging from the eggs are removed before they can spread. If no lice are found repeat on a weekly basis. This method can clear an infection if correctly carried out without the use of lotions. Parents should look for black specks on pillows, collars or in the hair - faeces of the louse.

Wet Combing Method

Wash hair in normal way with an ordinary shampoo.
Using lots of conditioner and while the hair is very wet comb through the hair from the roots with a fine tooth comb, slot into the hair at the roots with every stroke, and do this over a paper towel or the bath, it is much easier to see and identify any lice that have been combed out.
Clear the comb of lice between each stroke. Wet lice find it hard to escape and hair which is slippery from conditioner makes it hard for them to grip making removal easier.
If any lice are found then repeat this routine every 3 to 4 days for 2 weeks so that any lice emerging from the eggs are removed before they can spread. If no lice are found repeat on a weekly basis.
This method can clear an infection if correctly carried out without the use of lotions.
Parents should look for black specks on pillows, collars or in the hair - faeces of the louse.

Insecticide Lotions and Shampoos

These should only be used if there is visible evidence of live head lice, never to prevent head lice as this enables the insects to build up a resistance against preparations and exposes children and adults to unnecessary doses of insecticides. It is important to tell friends, school, out of school groups if infection is detected, research has shown that primary sources of infection often rests with a member of the extended family and not within the school environment. Just as many families visit the clinic in school holidays for treatment and advice.

Some facts about Head lice

Eggs are about the size of a granulated sugar grain and brownish in colour.
A female louse lays her eggs close to the scalp where they can keep warm, this usually takes place at night, she can lay up to 7 or 8 eggs.
Mating
The female needs to mate between laying eggs, so after each set of eggs are laid she will search for a friendly male!
Hatching
Each egg takes 7-10 days to hatch. The empty shell is called a nit and is snowy white in colour and are harmless.
Moulting
The young louse moults three times before becoming an adult, by this time it will have become the same colour as the hair.
Travel
Head lice always travel by accident. A louse wouldn't dream of leaving its cosy environment surrounded by food and friends, it will only transfer to another head if its as clean and warm as the one it is leaving.
A head louse can live up to 40 days.

There has been a great deal of publicity recently highlighting the dangers of overuse of the lotions available for treating head lice. They should only be used with the guidance of a health professional or pharmacist.

Head lice will not go away!

Insecticide Lotions and Shampoos

Some facts about Head lice