Back to school time brings many worries to the forefront of parents' minds. Head lice infestation is one of the primary concerns of parents around the world. Considering about 95% of American households will contract these tiny parasitic insects per year; parents have every reason to worry.
An infestation won't cause physical sickness; they do not carry or spread diseases. Scratching and skin irritations may become inflamed but this is not due to anything the louse itself brings to the picture. Inflamed skin, along with any infection it brings, is due to incessant scratching caused by bites or the louse crawling on the scalp.
Recognizing Head Lice
You do not need to set up a doctor's appointment to find out if your child has head lice. The signs are evident, even to the untrained eye. Let's discuss the different stages of the life of a louse and what you need to look for:
Nits: Lice eggs are also called nits. They're very small and are usually attached to the hair strand very near the scalp for warmth. They may be yellow, tan or brown before hatching and white or clear afterward. Nits resemble dandruff and are often mistaken as dry skin.
Nymphs: Nymphs are adolescent lice. They are very small, about half the size of a sesame seed during their first few days of life. They feed on blood from the host for about 2 weeks until they mature and begin laying eggs. They can survive up to 2 days away from their host.
Adult Louse: An adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed. They have six tiny legs that carry them through the hair. They do not jump like a flea or fly like many other insects. They may range in color from light gray to tan to a pinkish color if they've just fed.
Recognizing the Signs
A head lice infestation may be recognized in many ways. Parents are urged to check their children's hair at least once per week. Regular checks are highly recommended throughout the school year; not just as children return to school from extended breaks.
Scratching: Incessant or uncontrollable scratching is the primary sign of an infestation. Each time a louse crawls or bites, scratching is probable. Children often scratch their heads because of sweat or environmental factors, so don't panic every time your child has an itch.
Small Bumps or Sores: Louse bites aren't big enough to be painful but like most insect bites, they do cause itching. When checking your child's hair and scalp for bugs, keep an eye out for small bumps or sores. Children with very sensitive skin may scratch until the area bleeds or becomes infected.
Stop the Spread of Head Lice
Head lice are extremely common among school aged children. Parents should perform regular checks throughout the school year, especially after returning to school from extended breaks. If your child complains that they feel like something is crawling in their hair, check thoroughly behind the ears and nape of the neck.
Stopping the spread of head lice is not difficult. Simply add tea tree oil to shampoo, conditioner or leave-in tonics. Some companies offer excellent options to treat and prevent head lice.
Author Resource:-
Liz Solovay writes about lice prevention and lice removal for the Lice Treatment Center. She promotes Jolis Cheveux, a line of 100% natural head lice treatment products. Find out more by visiting the Lice Treatment Center.
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