Photo By Al Behrman/Associated Press
How many times have you thought about lice and started scratching your head? It is not a very nice subject. Unfortunately, it does not matter where you live in Cincinnati, you need to know about lice and most importantly how to treat the problem.
A few years ago I made the mistake of ignoring my daughter's lice symptoms because she was out of school for the summer. Shortly after her initial complaint, I knew that I needed to treat her for head lice. I did not think about lice since she was not in school and that was my mistake.
Lice are small insects that lay eggs to one's hair shaft. The egg cases are called nits. At first glance, it may appear to be dandruff, but nits are actually firmly attached to the hair and will not easily shake off. Lice can be passed by direct contact, sharing combs, hats or by clothing that lice are living.
Once it is determined that someone has lice, treatment is necessary. A doctor should be contacted if it is a very young child. There are several over the counter products that can be purchased at the store. Another option is a prescription product that must be ordered by the doctor. Most products are safe and effective if used as directed. In addition, a fine tooth comb is helpful in removing the lice and nits. Combing through the hair to remove lice and nits is done following the treatment. Most stores sell lice and nit combs either separately or with a lice kit. These combs are very helpful in removing these pests from the hair.
After the child is treated, it is essential to assure that all bedding, clothes, towels, hats, anything that may have come in contact with the lice, is washed to help prevent re-infestation. Do not forget to wash combs, brushes, barrettes and other hair items. The person's hair should be checked the following day to assure there are no missed nits. All family members should be checked to assure that others will not be carrying them, and to treat them if necessary. Be sure to follow the directions for the product you purchased before further treatment.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, there is no need to have a home fumigated for lice. Routine cleaning is sufficient to rid the home of lice, concentrating on areas that the infested person has been in contact within the previous 48 hours.
Head lice are willing to live anywhere, on anyone, so if you need more information do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
For more info: http://www.cdc.gov/lice/head/
Comments
Lice can be treated without over the counter or prescription treatments. A good metal fine tooth lice comb is all that is needed.
Glad that the CDC link provided in this story as it is very important to warn parents about lindane, a presciption insecticide. Here is the info from the CDC regarding lindane:
Lindane shampoo 1%;
Brand name products: None available
Lindane is an organochloride. Although lindane shampoo 1% is approved by the FDA for the treatment of head lice, it is not recommended as a first-line therapy. Overuse, misuse, or accidentally swallowing lindane can be toxic to the brain and other parts of the nervous system; its use should be restricted to patients who have failed treatment with or cannot tolerate other medications that pose less risk. Lindane should not be used to treat premature infants, persons with a seizure disorder, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, persons who have very irritated skin or sores where the lindane will be applied, infants,
Also lindane should never be used on children, the elderly, and persons who weigh less than 110 pounds.
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