How To Get Rid Of Head Lice quickly

Head lice are a very common problem among children and can take a serious turn if the problem persists. It initially starts as an itching and eventually becomes a cause of grave concern if not treated in time.

What Are Head Lice?

Head lice are actually small wingless insects that are tan to grayish white in color. They have hook like claws at each end of the six claws. A head louse stubbornly clings to the hair locks and it is very difficult to pull one out. The parasitic insect bites the skin to suck blood and this bite causes the itching. The common feeding areas are behind the ears and the nape of the neck.

Head Lice – Stages of Development

First Stage: Nits

The tiny eggs of head lice are known as nits, which remain attached to the hair shaft. The nits are so tiny that it is quite strenuous for the roving eyes to see them at the first glance.

Second Stage: Nymphs

The nits then hatch and develop into Nymphs, after almost a week. Though the Nymphs look like the adult head lice, they are comparatively smaller in size.

Third Stage: Head Lice

After a few weeks, the Nymphs mature into full-grown head lice. The usual life span of the head lice is 30 days but the person infected with it can feel a lingering itching sensation even after the lice die. Head lice can affect people belonging to different age groups. Children between 3 to 12 years of age are mostly affected. This is because they have the tendency of sharing their belongings and play very closely together. If you have this notion that head lice infestation is a contagious problem and affects only those who always remain dirty, you are utterly mistaken. If you know that someone is infested with lice, then it is advisable to maintain a little distance from him or her. Sharing the same pillow, towels, hats, combs and brushes can make you infested with the hair enemy.

Ways to Prevent Head Lice

Never let your child share brushes, combs or hair decorations
Do not let your child wear a hat used by others
Always make sure that you pack a separate pillow and bed for your child if he or she plans to stay away from home.

Treating Head Lice

You have a number of choices, when it comes to treating head lice. You can purchase the medicines or shampoos that can be bought over the counter. Actually, the medicated shampoos and chemicals contain those pesticides and chemicals that can kill the head lice.

One of the best ways to get rid of head lice is by frequent combing of hair. There are special lice removing combs from renowned companies, to get the stubborn parasites out of your hair.

Wash those towels, clothing, carpet, pillows used by a person infected by the parasites. You can either wash it with hot water or clean it with vacuum cleaner.

If you take timely care, you can get rid of head lice.