Head lice: Causes, symptoms, and treatments
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Your first line of defense against head lice is an over-the-counter (OTC) head lice treatment that typically comes in the form of shampoo. The main difference between various products is the active ingredient and which stages of head lice it kills. Pyrethrins naturally occur in flowers of the Compositae (Asteraceae) family like chrysanthemums, also known as mums or chrysanths. If your child is allergic to these flowers, he or she may also be allergic to the head lice treatment that uses pyrethrins.
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FDA-approved treatments for head lice include nonprescription (over-the-counter, or OTC) and prescription drugs in shampoo, cream rinse (conditioner), and lotion formulations. Some of these drugs are available in kits that include a small, fine-tooth comb. Separately packaged lice removal combs or comb-like devices are also available and used to remove and/or kill lice and nits. Experts recommend a multi-step approach to treating head lice because nits and lice can linger on the skull. The Lice-Clinics Lice Treatment Kit thoroughly attacks the problem with its kit in multiple steps.
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Treatment for head lice includes using over-the-counter medicated or prescription shampoos, lotions or creams that eliminate head lice. Over-the-counter medicated shampoos contain a substance called pyrethrin or permethrin that kill lice and nits. Head lice infestations are common, affecting an estimated 6 million to 12 million people each year. Lice are most common among school-age children who are more likely to have close contact with each other or share combs, brushes, hats and other objects that touch the hair. Many home or natural remedies, such as mayonnaise or olive oil, are used to treat head lice. Whether you use nonprescription or prescription shampoo to kill lice, much of the treatment involves self-care steps you can take at home.
Anise oil
To use, apply the product on dry hair and leave it in for ten minutes. Then, rinse the hair with warm water before using the included fine-tooth comb. For individuals with thick or long hair, applying a conditioner or detangler is recommended before using the comb.
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It is very common for close family and friends to get head lice. Dermatologists recommend that you check everyone for head lice. You do not want to treat anyone who does not have head lice; however, you should check everyone every day for 10 to 15 days. If you think or know you have lice, avoid sharing personal items, bedding, towels or clothing.
Ask your pediatrician if combing should be used in conjunction with other treatments for your young child. Several household products, including mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, olive oil, tub margarine and thick hair gel, have been proposed as treatments for head lice. However, according to the Canadian Paediatric Society, these remedies are not as effective at killing lice as topical insecticides. There are no published trials regarding the safety or efficacy of these home remedies. The kit includes shampoo formulated with the active ingredients piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrum extract. Together, these ingredients are within a class of ingredients called pediculicides, which experts found effective at killing lice, nymphs, and nits without harming the scalp’s surface.
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Mix 2 ounces of olive oil with 15 to 20 drops of the essential oil. Leave it on the scalp and hair overnight — at least 12 hours. There isn’t enough research to be sure that essential oils are safe for children. Make sure you wash all the towels you used and clean out the lice comb. Soak the comb in a 10 percent bleach solution or 2 percent Lysol solution for 30 minutes, and then rinse it very well.
Checking for lice
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, the gold standard for diagnosing head lice is to identify a live nymph or adult louse. Schoolchildren are commonly affected by head lice, which attach to hair and feed on human blood. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these IPL and other devices do work to remove unwanted hair, but it often takes many sessions, and the results are rarely permanent. IPL devices are generally safe, and they have been approved by the FDA for hair removal. Minimize the use of high-heat styling tools, hair extensions and harsh treatments like perms. Avoid hairstyles like tight buns and braids that pull on your scalp, potentially causing traction alopecia.
Wet combing
All infested persons (household members and close contacts) and their bedmates should be treated at the same time. Upon confirming the presence of lice in you or your child's hair, we will begin the removal procedure. We employ a safe, non-toxic treatment to eliminate the lice effectively. Our skilled technicians will apply the product to your hair, immobilizing the lice, making it possible for us to remove them easy and safely. Typically, this process takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, and children can return to school on the same day. The shampoo and conditioner blend five essential oils in their formula, including citronella oil and rosemary oil.
Sometimes it may be enough to comb out the nits, nymphs, and adult lice. Other times you may need to turn to some over-the-counter treatments. You’ll usually need to use treatments for a week or more before you kill all the lice and eggs that are in your hair.
When using a medicine, always carefully follow the instructions contained in the package or written on the label, unless the physician and pharmacist direct otherwise. Head lice can’t fly or jump, so they spread by crawling from person to person during close contact. Although rare, head lice can spread through personal items like towels, sheets, hairbrushes or hats. Another option is a machine that uses one application of hot air to kill head lice and their eggs through dehydration. The machine requires special training and is currently available only at professional lice treatment centers. Talk with your child’s health care professional or your pharmacist about the recommended treatments based on your child’s age and weight.
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