by Suzanne Fort

Created on: November 13, 2009   Last Updated: November 19, 2009

Head lice are something that many have to deal with especially those with younger children in school. We also see a lot of head lice cases in daycares. Head lice are spread easily by being in close contact with someone else. Head lice are small insects that live in hair and sometimes in eyebrows and eyelashes.

We usually start to be concerned about head lice when there is an itchy scalp. Sometimes we see bumps on our skin. Other times we see small white specks (head lice eggs or nits) that are hard to get off. If you see something moving on your head and it's white, it's called a louse.

Head lice removal can be done in many ways. There are head lice lotions and head lice shampoo (Nix) that work well at getting rid of lice. If that doesn't work, you have to go to a doctor to get a prescription. For the shampoo you need to rinse and dry your hair. Then, you need to apply the medicine to the hair and scalp. After ten minutes, you can rinse your hair. Check in a week or so to see if you notice any more itchy scalp or nits. If necessary, repeat treatment. It is always very important to follow directions carefully on treatment shampoos to ensure proper removal of the lice and also safety for the person using the treatment.

Head lice treatment can also be done with a lice comb. You should use a lice comb to try to make sure all the eggs are out of your hair for at least 7-10 days. You can use olive oil in your hair and then run the comb through your hair. You can also have a mayonnaise treatment to get rid of the head lice where you put mayonnaise on your hair, put a shower cap on over night. In the morning you can comb your hair with a head lice comb, and then rinse with vinegar.

You will need to wash your bedding and clothes with hot water and laundry soap. Combs and brushes should be either replaced or soaked in hot water to be sure everything is clear of lice.

Sometimes people associate head lice with being poor or just having poor hygiene, but really lice can affect anyone. Head lice is nothing to be ashamed of. Head lice can be removed by using small measures.

Head lice infection can occur from scratching. Antihistamines can help stop some of the itching. If a secondary skin infection does happen, you should talk to your doctor to see if you should come in.

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