Free Article: Treating Head Louse

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Preventing and Treating Head Louse
By M. A. Fulmar

Children are often susceptible to an infestation of head lice. This is due to the reality that children will share hair brushes, combs and other hair accessories. It is important to remember that head lice are not necessarily an indicator of poor hygiene and as well it is not a reflection on the care of children, but it is simply a reality when children are around other children in close situations.

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Therefore, the best method to follow in treating head louse is through prevention. However, if preventive methods fail then there are other methods to utilize in treating head louse.

Prevention

Obviously, the best method of treating head louse is through prevention. When your child attends his or her school, daycares or other venues that accommodate younger children it is important that the child is educated in the prevention of head lice.

This preventative education, in treating head louse, instructs your child not to share any personal hair grooming items such as brushes, combs or barrettes. Also, if there are notices sent from school about a head lice breakout, it is important to check your child's hair as soon as possible. Immediate action on your part may prevent lice from being transmitted to other members of your family.

In addition, when selecting a public facility, such as a daycare for your child, it is important to take note of the cleanliness of the facility. Often, un-vacuumed and dirty carpet may harbor the eggs of head lice. Asking about their cleaning policy, especially when it comes to the carpet, may be the best action in preventing a head lice infestation.

Methods of Treating Head Louse

If your child has been infected with head lice there are a number of methods used in treating head louse. Two of those methods are through the use of shampoos and lotions that contain pesticides and by combing.

First of all, it is important to determine whether your child has been infected. Symptoms may include an itchy scalp, restlessness of the individual affected, dandruff like material that is brown in color, or blood stains on the pillow case. Also, confirmation of lice may be visually detected. Special magnification is required to detect the presence of eggs.

The first method of treating head louse is by using specially treated products. These products contain insecticides and when applied to the scalp will cause the lice to die. However, the eggs, that may have been laid, will remain and might be unaffected by this treatment. Therefore, a second application of the product, in seven or eight days, may be indicated.

Combing

One additional method of treating head louse is through the technique of combing. Combing is accomplished through a specially designed comb with steel teeth. The design of this comb, specific grooves, facilitates the removal and killing of lice, their eggs and the egg residues. The rounded ends on the teeth are suited for moving along the scalp area without providing further damage.

In choosing this method in treating head louse, it is important to remember that the process needs to be repeated. This repetition should be done daily over a time span of at least two weeks. This process will not only kill those louse that are alive, but also those that may hatch seven to eight day from eggs.

Author Details:
M. A. Fulmar, copywriter for various websites including the health articles on www.naturalcrystaldeodorant.com and www.microdermabrasionskincare.com

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